Post-operative adjustment tool, minimally invasive attachment apparatus, and adjustable tricuspid ring

ABSTRACT

An implantable device system for controlling the dimensions of internal anatomic passages corrects physiologic dysfunctions resulting from a structural lumen which is either too large or too small. Implantable devices are disclosed which employ various mechanisms for adjusting and maintaining the size of an orifice to which they are attached. Systems permit the implants to be implanted using minimally invasive procedures and permit final adjustments to the dimensions of the implants after the resumption of normal flow of anatomic fluids in situ.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.12/875,464 filed Sep. 3, 2010, which is a continuation of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 12/692,415, filed Jan. 22, 2010, which claimspriority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/146,560, filedJan. 22, 2009; and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/157,649,filed Mar. 5, 2009, all of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates generally to implantable devices for controllingat least one of shape and size of an anatomic structure or lumen.

2. Description of Related Art

There is often a need to reduce the internal circumference of an orificeor other open anatomic structure to narrow or increase the size of theorifice or opening to achieve a desired physiologic effect. Often, suchsurgical procedures require interruption in the normal physiologic flowof blood, other physiologic fluids, or other structural contents throughthe orifice or structure. The exact amount of the narrowing or wideningrequired for the desired effect often cannot be fully appreciated untilphysiologic flow through the orifice or structure is resumed. It wouldbe advantageous, therefore, to have an adjustable means of achieving thenarrowing or widening effect, such that the degree of narrowing orwidening could be changed after its implantation, and after theresumption of normal flow in situ.

One example of a dysfunction within an anatomic lumen is in the area ofcardiac surgery, and specifically valvular repair. Approximately onemillion open heart surgical procedures are now performed annually in theUnited States, and twenty percent of these operations are related tocardiac valves.

The field of cardiac surgery was previously transformed by theintroduction of the pump oxygenator, which allowed open heart surgery tobe performed. Valvular heart surgery was made possible by the furtherintroduction of the mechanical ball-valve prosthesis, and manymodifications and different forms of prosthetic heart valves have sincebeen developed. However, the ideal prosthetic valve has yet to bedesigned, which attests to the elegant form and function of the nativeheart valve.

As a result of the difficulties in engineering a perfect prostheticheart valve, there has been growing interest in repairing a patient'snative valve. These efforts have documented equal long-term durabilityto the use of mechanical prostheses, with added benefits of betterventricular performance due to preservation of the subvalvularmechanisms and obviation of the need for chronic anticoagulation. Mitralvalve repair has become one of the most rapidly growing areas in adultcardiac surgery today.

Mitral valve disease can be subdivided into intrinsic valve disturbancesand pathology extrinsic to the mitral valve ultimately affectingvalvular function. Although these subdivisions exist, many of the repairtechniques and overall operative approaches are similar in the variouspathologies that exist.

Historically, most valvular pathology was secondary to rheumatic heartdisease, a result of a streptococcal infection, most commonly affectingthe mitral valve, followed by the aortic valve, and least often thepulmonic valve. The results of the infectious process are mitralstenosis and aortic stenosis, followed by mitral insufficiency andaortic insufficiency. With the advent of better antibiotic therapies,the incidence of rheumatic heart disease is on the decline, and accountsfor a smaller percentage of valvular heart conditions in the developedworld of the present day. Commissurotomy of rheumatic mitral stenosiswas an early example of commonly practiced mitral valve repair outsideof the realm of congenital heart defects. However, the repairs ofrheumatic insufficient valves have not met with good results due to theunderlying valve pathology and the progression of disease.

Most mitral valve disease other than rheumatic results in valvularinsufficiency that is generally amenable to repair. Chordae rupture is acommon cause of mitral insufficiency, resulting in a focal area ofregurgitation. Classically, one of the first successful and acceptedsurgical repairs was for ruptured chordae of the posterior mitralleaflet. The technical feasibility of this repair, its reproducible goodresults, and its long-term durability led the pioneer surgeons in thefield of mitral valve repair to attempt repairs of other valvepathologies.

Mitral valve prolapse is a fairly common condition that leads over timeto valvular insufficiency. In this disease, the plane of coaptation ofthe anterior and posterior leaflets is “atrialized” relative to a normalvalve. This problem may readily be repaired by restoring the plane ofcoaptation into the ventricle.

The papillary muscles within the left ventricle support the mitral valveand aid in its function. Papillary muscle dysfunction, whether due toinfarction or ischemia from coronary artery disease, often leads tomitral insufficiency (commonly referred to as ischemic mitralinsufficiency). Within the scope of mitral valve disease, this is themost rapidly growing area for valve repair. Historically, only patientswith severe mitral insufficiency were repaired or replaced, but there isincreasing support in the surgical literature to support valve repair inpatients with moderate insufficiency that is attributable to ischemicmitral insufficiency. Early aggressive valve repair in this patientpopulation has been shown to increase survival and improve long-termventricular function.

In addition, in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy the etiology ofmitral insufficiency is the lack of coaptation of the valve leafletsfrom a dilated ventricle. The resultant regurgitation is due to the lackof coaptation of the leaflets. There is a growing trend to repair thesevalves, thereby repairing the insufficiency and restoring ventriculargeometry, thus improving overall ventricular function.

Two essential features of mitral valve repair are to fix primaryvalvular pathology (if present) and to support the annulus or reduce theannular dimension using a prosthesis that is commonly in the form of aring or band. The problem encountered in mitral valve repair is thesurgeon's inability to fully assess the effectiveness of the repairuntil the heart has been fully closed, and the patient is weaned offcardiopulmonary bypass. Once this has been achieved, valvular functioncan be assessed in the operating room using transesophagealechocardiography (TEE). If significant residual valvular insufficiencyis then documented, the surgeon must re-arrest the heart, re-open theheart, and then re-repair or replace the valve. This increases overalloperative, anesthesia, and bypass times, and therefore increases theoverall operative risks.

If the prosthesis used to reduce the annulus is larger than the idealsize, mitral insufficiency may persist. If the prosthesis is too small,mitral stenosis may result.

The need exists, therefore, for an adjustable prosthesis that wouldallow a surgeon to adjust the annular dimension in situ in a beatingheart under TEE guidance or other diagnostic modalities to achieveoptimal valvular sufficiency and function.

Cardiac surgery is but one example of a setting in which adjustment ofthe annular dimension of an anatomic orifice in situ would be desirable.Another example is in the field of gastrointestinal surgery, where theNissen fundoplication procedure has long been used to narrow thegastro-esophageal junction for relief of gastric reflux into theesophagus. In this setting, a surgeon is conventionally faced with thetension between creating sufficient narrowing to achieve reflux control,but avoiding excessive narrowing that may interfere with the passage ofnutrient contents from the esophagus into the stomach. Again, it wouldbe desirable to have a method and apparatus by which the extent to whichthe gastro-esophageal junction is narrowed could be adjusted in situ toachieve optimal balance between these two competing interests.

Aside from the problem of adjusting the internal circumference of bodypassages in situ, there is often a need in medicine and surgery to placea prosthetic implant at a desired recipient anatomic site. For example,existing methods proposed for percutaneous mitral repair includeapproaches through either the coronary sinus or percutaneous attempts toaffix the anterior mitral leaflet to the posterior mitral leaflet.Significant clinical and logistical problems attend both of theseexisting technologies. In the case of the coronary sinus procedures,percutaneous access to the coronary sinus is technically difficult andtime consuming to achieve, with procedures which may require severalhours to properly access the coronary sinus. Moreover, these proceduresemploy incomplete annular rings, which compromise their physiologiceffect. Such procedures are typically not effective for improving mitralregurgitation by more than one clinical grade. Finally, coronary sinusprocedures carry the potentially disastrous risks of either fatal tearsor catastrophic thrombosis of the coronary sinus.

Similarly, percutaneous procedures which employ sutures, clips, or otherdevices to affix the anterior mitral leaflets to the posterior mitralleaflets also have limited reparative capabilities. Such procedures arealso typically ineffective in providing a complete repair of mitralregurgitation. Furthermore, surgical experience indicates that suchmethods are not durable, with likely separation of the affixed valveleaflets. These procedures also fail to address the pathophysiololgy ofthe dilated mitral annulus in ischemic heart disease. As a result of theresidual anatomic pathology, no ventricular remodeling or improvedventricular function is likely with these procedures.

The need exists, therefore, for a delivery system and methods for itsuse that would avoid the need for open surgery in such exemplarycircumstances, and allow delivery, placement, and adjustment of aprosthetic implant to reduce the diameter of such a mitral annulus in apercutaneous or other minimally invasive procedure, while stillachieving clinical and physiologic results that are at least theequivalent of the yields of the best open surgical procedures for thesesame problems.

The preceding cardiac applications are only examples of someapplications according to the present invention. Another exemplaryapplication anticipated by the present invention is in the field ofgastrointestinal surgery, where the aforementioned Nissen fundoplicationprocedure has long been used to narrow the gastro-esophageal junctionfor relief of gastric reflux into the esophagus. In this setting, asurgeon is conventionally faced with the tension between creatingsufficient narrowing to achieve reflux control, but avoiding excessivenarrowing that may interfere with the passage of nutrient contents fromthe esophagus into the stomach. Additionally, “gas bloat” may cause theinability to belch, a common complication of over-narrowing of the GEjunction. An adjustable prosthetic implant according to the presentinvention could allow in situ adjustment in such a setting underphysiologic assessment after primary surgical closure.

Such an adjustable prosthetic implant according to the present inventioncould be placed endoscopically, percutaneously, or with an endoscopeplaced within a body cavity or organ, or by trans-abdominal ortrans-thoracic approaches. In addition, such an adjustable prostheticimplant according to the present invention could be coupled with anadjustment means capable of being placed in the subcutaneous or otheranatomic tissues within the body, such that remote adjustments could bemade to the implant during physiologic function of the implant. Thisadjustment means can also be contained within the implant and adjustedremotely, i.e. remote control adjustment. Such an adjustment means mightbe capable of removal from the body, or might be retained within thebody indefinitely for later adjustment.

The present invention and the methods for its use anticipate manyalternate embodiments in other potential applications in the broadfields of medicine and surgery. Among the other potential applicationsanticipated according to the present invention are adjustable implantsfor use in the treatment of morbid obesity, urinary incontinence,anastomotic strictures, arterial stenosis, urinary incontinence,cervical incompetence, ductal strictures, and anal incontinence. Thepreceding discussions are intended to be exemplary embodiments accordingto the present invention and should not be construed to limit thepresent invention and the methods for its use in any way.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An object of the present invention is to provide an implantable devicefor controlling at least one of shape and size of an anatomicalstructure or lumen.

These and other objects of the present invention are achieved in animplantable device for controlling at least on of shape and size of ananatomical structure or lumen. An implantable device is provided thathas an adjustable member configured to adjust the dimensions of theimplantable device. In certain embodiments, a torqueable adjustment toolis configured to provide adjustment of the dimensions of the implantabledevice for a preferred dimension. In other embodiments adjustments for apreferred dimension may be accomplished remotely through activation ofinternal adjustment mechanisms.

In another embodiment of the present invention, an implantable device isprovided for controlling at least one of shape and size of an anatomicalstructure or lumen that includes an implantable device has an adjustablemember configured to adjust the dimensions of the implantable device, aparticularly a preferred dimension. An adjustment tool is configured toprovide adjustment of the dimensions of the implantable device, theadjustment tool providing translated motion through rotation.

In another embodiment of the present invention, an implantable device isprovided for controlling at least one of shape and size of an anatomicalstructure or lumen. An implantable device has an adjustable memberconfigured to adjust the dimensions of the implantable device andincludes first and second bands. An adjustment tool is configured toprovide adjustment of the dimensions of the implantable device for apreferred dimension.

In still another embodiment of the present invention, an implantabledevice is provided for controlling at least one of shape and size of ananatomical structure or lumen. An implantable device has an adjustablemember configured to adjust the dimensions of the implantable device.The implantable device has an anterior portion, a posterior portion anddual threads that provide preferential adjustment of one side or theother of the implantable device. An adjustment tool is configured toprovide adjustment of the dimensions of the implantable device.

In yet another embodiment of the present invention, an implantabledevice controls at least one of shape and size of an anatomicalstructure or lumen. An implantable device has an adjustable memberconfigured to adjust the dimensions of the implantable device. Anadjustment tool is configured to provide adjustment of the dimensions ofthe implantable device. The adjustment tool provides reciprocatingaction to provide for the adjustment.

In another embodiment of the present invention, an implantable devicecontrols at least one of shape and size of an anatomical structure orlumen. An implantable device has an adjustable member configured toadjust the dimensions of the implantable device. An adjustment tool isconfigured to provide adjustment of the dimensions of the implantabledevice. The adjustment tool provides both course adjustment and fineadjustment.

Other features and advantages of the present invention will becomeapparent upon reading the following specification, when taken inconjunction with the drawings and the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

FIG. 1 is a front view of a first embodiment of an implant for reducingthe circumference of an anatomic orifice.

FIG. 2 is a front view of the implant of FIG. 1 secured to the annulusof a mitral valve, with the implant in an expanded position.

FIG. 3 is a front view of the implant of FIG. 1 secured to the annulusof a mitral valve, with the implant in a contracted position to reducethe size of the heart valve opening.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of an implant forreducing the circumference of an anatomic orifice, inserted through anopen operative cardiac incision and secured around the mitral valve.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the implant of FIG. 4, showing thecardiac incision closed, an adjustment tool extending through the closedincision, and adjustment of the implant possible after the patient hasbeen taken “off pump.”

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of an adjustmentmeans for adjusting the circumference of an implant for reducing thecircumference of an anatomic orifice.

FIG. 7 is a right side view of the adjustment means of FIG. 6.

FIG. 8 is a left side view of the adjustment means of FIG. 6.

FIG. 9 is a right side view of a second embodiment of an adjustmentmeans for adjusting the circumference of an implant for reducing thecircumference of an anatomic orifice.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a first alternate embodiment of anattachment means for the implant of FIG. 1.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a second alternate embodiment of anattachment means for the implant of FIG.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a third embodiment of an implant forreducing the circumference of an anatomic orifice.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of one end of the implant of FIG. 12showing an optional keyed relationship between three coaxial cannulae toprevent relative rotation between the three components.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the implant of FIG. 12 showing theouter cannula extended to cover the implant.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the implant of FIG. 12 showing theouter cannula retracted to expose the implant.

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the implant of FIG. 12 showing themiddle cannula extended to unfold the implant.

FIGS. 17 and 18 are schematic views illustrating how extension of themiddle cannula causes the implant to unfold, where FIG. 17 shows theimplant in the folded position, and FIG. 18 shows the implant in theunfolded position.

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of the lower end of a touchdown sensor ofthe implant of FIG. 12, showing the sensor in an uncompressed condition.

FIG. 20 is a perspective view of the lower end of the touchdown sensorof FIG. 19, showing the sensor in a compressed condition.

FIG. 21 is a perspective end view of a fourth embodiment of an implantfor reducing the circumference of an anatomic orifice.

FIG. 22 is a side view of the implant of FIG. 21 with the implant openedup to show its full length.

FIG. 23 is a side view of the adjustment mechanism of the implant ofFIG. 21.

FIG. 24 is a close-up view of two of the retention barbs of the implantof FIG. 21.

FIG. 25 is a front view of a fifth embodiment of an implant for reducingthe circumference of an anatomic orifice, with the implant shown in itsexpanded configuration.

FIG. 26 is a front view of the implant of FIG. 25, with the implantshown in its contracted configuration.

FIG. 27 is an enlarged view of the area indicated by the circle 27 inFIG. 25, with the outer body removed to show interior detail.

FIG. 28 is a schematic view showing the implant of FIG. 12 anatomicallypositioned at the mitral annulus in a heart with the implant in a fullyexpanded state.

FIG. 29 is a schematic view showing the implant of FIG. 12 anatomicallypositioned at the gastroesophageal opening with the implant in a fullyexpanded state.

FIG. 30 is a schematic view showing the implant of FIG. 29 implanted toreduce the circumference of the gastroesophageal opening.

FIG. 31 is a schematic view of an embodiment of an implantable device ofthe present invention.

FIG. 32A is a schematic view of another embodiment of an implantabledevice of the present invention.

FIG. 32B is a schematic view of a threaded member in an embodiment of animplantable device of the present invention.

FIG. 33 is a schematic view of an embodiment of an implantable device ofthe present invention with an outer tubing and an inner tubing in arelative first position.

FIG. 34 is a schematic view of an embodiment of an implantable device ofthe present invention with an outer tubing and an inner tubing in arelative second position.

FIG. 35 is a schematic view of an embodiment of an implantable device ofthe present invention with an outer tubing and an inner tubing in arelative third position.

FIG. 36 is a schematic view of an embodiment of an adjustable member ofthe present invention, with the distal tip of the adjustment toolcoupled to the adjustment member.

FIG. 37 is a schematic view of an embodiment of an adjustment member ofthe present invention having an integrated pinion gear.

FIG. 38 is a schematic view of an embodiment of a flexible tube coverfor an implant device.

FIG. 39 is a cross-section view of an assembled embodiment of anadjustable implant device.

FIG. 40 is a schematic view of an embodiment of a seal jacket for anadjustable member.

FIG. 41 is a schematic view of an embodiment of an adjustment band inthe implantable member of the present invention.

FIG. 42 is a disassembled schematic view of part of the adjustment bandand adjustment member of FIG. 41.

FIG. 43 is an assembled view of the adjustment band and adjustmentmember of FIG. 42.

FIG. 44 is a schematic view of an embodiment of the gearbox for theadjustment band of FIG. 41.

FIG. 45 is a schematic view of an embodiment of the implantable deviceof the present invention with a sliding band that can be opened andclosed to effect a preferential shape change.

FIG. 46 is a schematic view of an embodiment of the implantable deviceof the present invention with two adjustable screws used to achievedifferent pulling rates.

FIG. 47 is a schematic view of an embodiment of the implantable deviceof the present invention with reciprocating motion and a clover gear.

FIG. 48 is a schematic view of an embodiment of the implantable devicesystem of the present invention with an adjustment tool having highcolumn strength and stiffness.

FIG. 49 is a schematic view of an embodiment of the implantable deviceof the present invention shown in vivo with an adjustment tool havingreduced column stiffness.

FIG. 50 is a cut-away view of an embodiment of the proximal portion ofan adjustment tool.

FIG. 51 is a schematic view of an embodiment of the implantable deviceof the present invention with an articulated shape.

FIGS. 52-59 show one embodiment of an adjustment tool that can bereinserted into the body and reconnected to the adjustable member, sothat additional adjustments to the implantable device can be madepost-operatively.

FIGS. 60-62 show a second embodiment of an adjustment tool that can bereinserted into the body and reconnected to the adjustable member sothat additional adjustments to the implantable device can be madepost-operatively.

FIGS. 63-72 show a reversible attachment apparatus that can be used toattach an adjustable implant to an anatomic orifice or lumen using aminimally invasive procedure.

FIGS. 73-84 show embodiments of an implantable device that can be usedto adjust the shape and/or size of a tricuspid valve.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring now to the drawings, in which like numerals indicate likeelements throughout the several views, an exemplary implant 10comprising an implant body 15 is shown in FIG. 1. The implant body maybe provided in a shape and size determined by the anatomic needs of anintended native recipient anatomic site within a mammalian patient. Sucha native recipient anatomic site may be, by way of illustration and notby way of limitation, a heart valve, the esophagus near thegastro-esophageal junction, the anus, or other anatomic sites within amammalian body that are creating dysfunction that might be relieved byan implant capable of changing the size and shape of that site andmaintaining a desired size and shape after surgery.

The implant 10 of FIG. 1 comprises a circular implant body 15 which isprovided with adjustable corrugated sections alternating withintervening grommet-like attachment means 25 having narrowedintermediate neck portions. As can be seen in FIGS. 2 and 3, the implantbody 15 may be secured to the annulus of a heart valve 30 by a fixationmeans such as a suture 35 secured over or through the attachment means25. The corrugated sections 20 fold and unfold as the circumference ofthe implant body 15 shortens or lengthens. Adjustment of the implant 10in situ may decrease the overall size of the heart valve 30, increasingthe coaptation of the valve leaflets 40, and changing the configurationfrom that shown in FIG. 2 to that shown in FIG. 3.

An additional exemplary embodiment 100 of the present invention is shownin FIGS. 4 and 5, with an open operative cardiac incision 105 in a heart110 shown in FIG. 4, and closure of the cardiac incision 105 in FIG. 5.As shown in FIG. 4, the exemplary adjustable implant 100 according tothe present invention comprises an implant body 115 with attachmentmeans 120 that allows fixation to the annulus of a mitral valve 125. Theexemplary adjustable implant 100 is further provided with an adjustmentmeans 130 that is controlled by an attached or coupled adjustment tool135. After closure of the myocardial incision 105 in FIG. 5, theadjustment tool 135 remains attached or coupled to the adjustment means130, so that the size and shape of the implant 100 may further beaffected after physiologic flow through the heart 110 is resumed, butwith the chest incision still open. Once the desired shape and functionare achieved, the adjustment tool 135 may be disengaged from theadjustment means 130 and withdrawn from the myocardial incision 105. Invarious embodiments according to the present invention, the adjustmentmeans 130 may be configured and placed to allow retention by orre-introduction of the adjustment tool 135 for adjustment followingclosure of the chest incision.

To use the implant 100 of FIGS. 4 and 5, the physician makes the openoperative incision 105 in the heart 110, as shown in FIG. 4, in theconventional manner. The implant 100, mounted at the forward end ofadjustment tool 135, is then advanced through the incision 105 andsutured to the annulus of the mitral valve 125. The adjustment tool 135is then manipulated, e.g., rotated, depending upon the design of theadjustment means 130, to cause the adjustment means to reduce the sizeof the implant body 115, and hence the underlying mitral valve 125 towhich it is sutured, to an approximate size. The myocardial incision 105can now be closed, as shown in FIG. 5, leaving the adjustment toolextending through the incision for post-operative adjustment.

Once the patient has been taken “off pump” and normal flow of bloodthrough the heart 110 has resumed, but before the chest incision hasbeen closed, further adjustments to the size of the mitral valve 125 canbe made by manipulating the adjustment tool 135.

FIGS. 6-8 show an exemplary adjustment means 200 for adjusting thecircumference of an annular implant such as the implant 100 previouslydescribed. The adjustment means 200 comprises a rack and pinion systemin which a first cam 205 with geared teeth 210 and an engagement coupler215 turns on a first axel 220. In this example, the first cam 205engages a geared rack 225 on one or more surfaces of a first band 230.The first band 230 passes between the first cam 205 and a second cam 235that turns on a second axel 240 that is joined to a second band 245. Asshown in FIG. 8, the first and second axels 220, 240 are maintained insuitable spaced-apart relation by means of a bracket 250 formed at theend of the second band 245.

The adjustment means 200 is preferably set within a hollow annularimplant 100 of the type previously described, though it is possible touse the adjustment means in a stand-alone configuration wherein thefirst and second bands 230, 245 are opposing ends of the same continuousannular structure. In either event, to adjust the length of an implantcomprising the adjustment means 200, a tool such as a hex wrench engagesthe engagement coupler 215 on the first cam 205 and rotates the firstcam in a counterclockwise direction as shown in FIG. 7, as indicated bythe arrow 255. Rotation of the first cam 205 causes the teeth 210 todrive the rack 225 to move the first band 230 toward the right, asindicated by the arrow 260 in FIG. 7. This movement of the first bandtightens the circumference of the annular implant. If the physicianinadvertently adjusts the implant too tight, reversing direction of theengagement coupler 215 will loosen the implant.

In various embodiments according to the present invention, the first andsecond bands 230, 245 may be separate structures, or they may beopposing ends of the same continuous structure. In such an embodiment,when motion is imparted to the engagement coupler 215, the first cam 205is rotated, causing the geared teeth 210 to engage the geared rack 225,and causing the first band 230 to move with respect to the second band245 to adjust the circumference of an implant.

FIG. 9 shows a somewhat different configuration of an exemplaryengagement means 300 according to the present invention, in which thereis no engagement coupler, and a bracket 350 is provided on both sides ofthe cams to maintain the first cam 315 and the second cam 320 in closeapproximation. In one proposed embodiment, the bracket is designed withclose tolerances so as to press the first band 330 closely against thesecond band 345, thereby to hold the bands in fixed relative position byfriction. In another proposed embodiment, the brackets 350 arefabricated from an elastic material such that the cams 315,320 can bespread apart to insert the first band 330 between the cams, whereuponthe cams are pulled back together with sufficient force to hold thebands 330, 345 in fixed relative position by friction. In still anotherproposed embodiment involving an elastic mounting arrangement betweenthe cams 315, 320, the lower edge of the first band 330 and the upperedge of the second band 345 have mating frictional or mechanicalsurfaces, whereby the cams 315, 320 can be spread apart to permitrelative movement between the bands or released to clamp the bandstogether in fixed relation.

FIG. 10 shows an exemplary attachment means 400 for an implant accordingto the present invention. The attachment means 400 could be used, forexample, in place of the attachment means 25 of the implant 10. Theattachment means 400 takes the form of a grommet 410 comprising a wall415 defining a lumen 420 and an attachment surface 425. Such anattachment means would be used with the implant body extending throughthe lumen 420 and with fixation devices such as sutures or wires eithertied over or affixed through the attachment surface 425.

FIG. 11 shows another alternate embodiment of an attachment means 500for an implant according to the present invention. The attachment means500 could also be used, for example, in place of the attachment means 25of the implant 10. FIG. 11 shows an attachment means 500 in the form ofa hollow tube or tube segment 510 comprising a wall 515 defining a lumen520, an outer surface 525, and an attachment tab 530. Such an attachmentmeans would be used with the implant body extending through the lumen520 and with fixation devices such as sutures or wires either tied orotherwise affixed over or through the attachment tab 530. Such fixationdevices might be placed through holes 535 provided in the attachment tab530. Alternately a solid attachment tab 530 might be provided, and thefixation devices might be passed through the solid tab. Modifications ofthese attachment means may be used in conjunction with a suturelessattachment system.

FIGS. 12-18 show another embodiment of a percutaneous annuloplastydevice according to the present invention, in which an implant/deliverysystem array 600 includes a housing sheath 605 (not seen in FIG. 12), anactuating catheter 610 coaxially slidably mounted within the housingsheath 605, and a core catheter 615 coaxially slidably mounted withinthe actuating catheter 610. The core catheter has a central lumen 616(FIG. 13). The actuating catheter 610 and core catheter 615 may be roundtubular structures, or as shown in FIG. 13, either or both of theactuating and core catheters may be provided with one or more keyedridges 618, 620 respectively to be received by one or more reciprocalslots 622, 624 within the inner lumen of either the housing sheath 605or the actuating catheter 610, respectively. Such keyed ridges 618, 620would limit internal rotation of an inner element within an outerelement, should such restriction be desirable to maintain control of theinner contents from inadvertent displacement due to undesired rotationalmotion during use.

The implant/delivery system array 600 includes a distal tip 625 at theforward end of the core catheter 615. One or more radial implant supportarms 630 have their distal ends 632 pivotably or bendably mounted to thecore catheter 615 adjacent its distal tip 625. The proximal ends 634 ofthe radial implant support arms 630 normally extend along the corecatheter 615 but are capable of being displaced outward away from thecore catheter.

One or more radial support struts 636 have their proximal ends 638pivotably or bendably mounted to the distal end of the actuatingcatheter 610. The distal end 640 of each radial support strut is 636pivotably or bendably attached to a midpoint of a corresponding radialimplant support arm 630. As the actuating catheter 610 is advanced withrespect to the core catheter 615, the radial support struts 636 forcethe radial implant support arms 630 upward and outward in the fashion ofan umbrella frame. Thus the actuating catheter 610, core catheter 615,radial support struts 636, and radial support arms 630 in combinationform a deployment umbrella 642.

A prosthetic implant 645 is releasably attached to the proximal ends 634of the radial implant support arms 630. Around the periphery of theprosthetic implant 645 and extending proximally therefrom are aplurality of retention barbs 646. In addition, one or more of the radialimplant support arms 630 comprise touchdown sensors 648 whose proximalends extend proximal to the implant 645. Extending through the centrallumen 616 (FIG. 13) of the core catheter 615 in the exemplary embodiment600 and out lateral ports 650 (FIG. 12) spaced proximally from thedistal tip 625 are one or more release elements 660, which serve torelease the implant 645 from the delivery system, and one or moreadjustment elements 665 which serve to adjust the implant's deployedsize and effect. Because the release elements 660 and adjustmentelements 665 extend through the proximal end of the core catheter 615,as seen in FIGS. 14-16, these elements can be directly or indirectlyinstrumented or manipulated by the physician. A delivery interface 670(FIGS. 12, 16) is defined in this example by the interaction of thedeployment umbrella 642, the release elements 660, and the implant 645.In the disclosed embodiment, the release elements 660 may be a suture,fiber, or wire in a continuous loop that passes through laser-drilledbores in the implant 645 and in the radial implant support arms 630, andthen passes through the length of the core catheter 615. In such anembodiment, the implant 645 may be released from the delivery system ata desired time by severing the release element 660 at its proximal end,outside the patient, and then withdrawing the free end of the releaseelement 660 through the core catheter 610.

FIGS. 14-16 show the operation of the implant/delivery system array 600,in which an umbrella-like expansion of the prosthetic implant 645 isachieved by sliding movement of the housing sheath 605, the actuatingcatheter 610, and the core catheter 615. Referring first to FIG. 14, thehousing sheath 605 is extended to cover the forward ends of theactuating catheter 610 and core catheter 615 for intravascular insertionof the implant/delivery system array 600. From this starting position,the housing sheath 605 is retracted in the direction indicated by thearrows 662. In FIG. 15 the housing sheath 605 has been retracted toexpose the forward end of the actuating catheter 610 and the collapseddeployment umbrella 642. From this position the actuating catheter 610is advanced in the direction indicated by the arrows 664. This willcause the deployment umbrellas to expand in the directions indicated bythe arrows 666. FIG. 16 shows the expansion of the deployment umbrella642 produced by distal motion of the actuating catheter 610 relative tothe core catheter 615. After the implant 645 has been positioned andadjusted to the proper size, the housing sheath 605 is advanced in thedirection indicated by the arrows 668 to collapse and to cover thedeployment umbrella 642 for withdrawal of the device from the patient.

FIGS. 17 and 18 are schematic views illustrating the radial implantsupport arms 630 and the radial support struts 636 of theimplant/delivery system array 600. In FIG. 17, a radial support strut636 is pivotably attached at its proximal end 638 at a first pivotablejoint 670 to the actuation catheter 610. The radial support strut 636 isattached at its distal end 640 to a second pivotable joint 672 at anintermediate point of a corresponding radial implant support arm 630.The radial implant support arm 630 is attached at its distal end 632 bya third pivotable joint 674 to the core catheter 620. FIG. 17 shows theassembly in a closed state. When the actuation catheter 610 is advanceddistally over the core catheter 615, as shown by the arrows 676, theradial support strut 636 and the radial implant support arm 630 areextended by the motion at the first pivotable joint 670, the secondpivotable joint 672, and the third pivotable joint 674, as shown by thearrow 678. This motion has the effect of expanding the deploymentumbrella and folded implant (not shown in FIGS. 17 and 18), allowing itto achieve its greatest radial dimension, prior to engagement andimplantation as previously discussed with reference to FIGS. 12-16.

FIGS. 19 and 20 show further details of the touchdown sensors 648 shownpreviously in FIG. 12. The touchdown sensor 648 of FIGS. 19 and 20includes a distal segment 680, an intermediate segment 682, and aproximal segment 684. The distal segment 680 is spring-mounted, so thatit is capable of slidable, telescoping displacement over theintermediate segment 682 to achieve a seamless junction with theproximal segment 684 upon maximal displacement. When the touchdownsensor 648 is in its normal condition, the spring extends the proximalsegment such that the sensor assumes the orientation shown in FIG. 19.When the implant 645 (FIG. 12) is seated against the periphery of ananatomical opening, the proximal segment 684 of the sensor 648 iscompressed against the distal segment 680, as shown in FIG. 20. Thedistal segment 680 and the proximal segment 684 are both constructed of,are sheathed by, or otherwise covered with a radio-opaque material.However, the intermediate segment 682 is not constructed or coated withsuch a radio-opaque material. Therefore, when the distal segment 680 isat rest, it is fully extended from the proximal segment 684, and the gaprepresented by the exposed intermediate segment 682 is visible onradiographic examination. However, when the distal segment 680 isbrought to maximum closeness with the proximal segment 684, no suchradio-opaque gap is radiographically visible, and the touchdown sensoris said to be “activated”. This embodiment allows radiographicmonitoring of the position of the touchdown sensor 648 with respect tothe degree of extension of the distal catheter segment 680. In theembodiment according to the present invention as shown, one or moretouchdown detectors 648 are employed to ascertain that the deliverysystem for the prosthetic device is located in the proper position todeploy the implant into the mitral annulus. As this anatomic structurecannot be directly identified on fluoroscopy or standard radiographicprocedures, such precise location could be otherwise difficult. At thesame time, precise localization and engagement of the mitral annulus iscritical for proper implant function and safety.

Touchdown detectors within the embodiments according to the presentinvention can have a multiplicity of forms, including the telescoping,spring-loaded, radio-opaque elements joined by a non-radio-opaqueelement as in the aforementioned examples. In embodiments employingmagnetic resonance imaging, touchdown detectors according to the presentinvention may utilize metallic segments interposed by nonmetallicsegments in a similar telescoping, spring-loaded array. Otherembodiments include a visually-evident system with telescoping,spring-loaded elements with color-coded or other visual features forprocedures in which direct or endoscopic observation would be possible.Still other embodiments of touchdown detectors according to the presentinvention include touchdown detectors provided with microswitches attheir tips, such that momentary contact of sufficient pressure completesan electrical circuit and signals the activation of the touchdowndetector to the operator. Still other touchdown detectors according tothe present invention are provided with fiberoptic pathways for Rahmenlaser spectroscopy or other spectral analytical techniques which arecapable of detecting unique tissue qualities of the tissue at thedesired site for implantation. In addition, still other embodimentsaccording to the present invention include touchdown detectorscontaining electrodes or other electronic sensors capable of detectingand signaling the operator when a desired electrophysiologic, impedance,or other measurable quality of the desired tissue is detected for properimplantation. Such electrophysiologic touchdown detectors may includeelectrical circuits that produce visual, auditory, or other signals tothe operator that the detectors are activated and that the implant is inthe proper position for attachment.

In yet other embodiments according to the present invention, otherintracardiac or extracardiac imaging techniques including, but notlimited to, intravascular ultrasound, nuclear magnetic resonance,virtual anatomic positioning systems, or other imaging techniques may beemployed to confirm proper positioning of the implant, obviating theneed for the touchdown sensors as previously described.

FIGS. 21-24 show an implant 700 according to one embodiment of thepresent invention. In this embodiment, the implant body 705 is bandlikeand flexible. Through much of its length, the implant body 705 isprovided with a series of retention barbs 710 which are oriented tofacilitate placement, retention, and removal of the device. The implantbody 705 is also provided with an adjustable section 715, which isprovided in this example with a series of adjustment stops 720. Theadjustment stops 720 may be slots, holes, detents, dimples, ridges,teeth, raised elements, or other mechanical features to allow measuredadjustment of the implant 700 in use. In the embodiment shown in FIGS.21-24, the adjustment stops 720 are engaged by a geared connector 725.FIG. 21 is an end view, showing the implant body 705 curved on itself,with the retention barbs 710 to the exterior, and with the adjustablesection 715 passing through its engagement with the geared connector 725and curving internally within the implant body 705 to form a closed,round structure. FIG. 23 shows details of an exemplary geared connector725, in which a housing 730 is connected to the implant body 705. Thehousing 730 contains and supports a mechanical worm 740 with an attachedfirst geared head 750 which mates with a second geared head 755. Thesecond geared head 755 is attached to an adjustment stem 760 which ismachined to receive a screwdriver-like adjustment element. The variousembodiments according to the present invention may require a number offorms of adjustment elements. In the present example, the adjustmentelement is provided as a finely coiled wire with a distal tip machinedto be received by a receiving slot in the adjustment stem 760 (notshown). The relationship between the distal tip of the adjustmentelement and the adjustment stem 760 is mechanically similar to ascrewdriver bit and screwhead, such that torsion imparted to theadjustment means by the operator will result in the turning of theadjustment stem 760 and second geared head 755 allows motion of thefirst geared head 750 and worm 740, which creates motion of theadjustable implant section 715 as the worm engages with the series ofadjustment tops 725. Excess length of the adjustable section 715 passesthrough a band slot 735 (FIG. 23), thus allowing the band to moveconcentrically inside the closed implant body 705. The adjustmentelement in this embodiment may be designed to remain in place after thedeployment umbrella has been retracted and withdrawn. The connectionbetween the adjustment element's distal tip and the adjustment stem 760may be a simple friction connection, a mechanical key/slot formation, ormay be magnetically or electronically maintained.

As further shown in FIG. 21, the exemplary embodiment employsunidirectional retention barbs 710 which are attached to the outerperimeter of the implant body 705. The retention barbs 710 are orientedin a consistent, tangential position with respect to the implant body705 such that rotational motion of the implant body will either engageor release the retention barbs 710 upon contact with the desired tissueat the time of deployment. This positioning of the retention barbs 710allows the operator to “screw in” the implant 700 by turning the implant700 upon its axis, thus engaging the retention barbs 710 into theadjacent tissue. As shown in FIG. 24, the retention barbs 710 may eachbe further provided with a terminal hook 775 at the end which wouldallow for smooth passage through tissue when engaging the retentionbarbs 710 by rotating the implant 700, without permitting the implant700 to rotate in the opposite direction, because of the action of theterminal hooks 775 grasping the surrounding tissue (much like barbedfish hooks). The terminal hooks 775 thus ensure the seating of theimplant 700 into the surrounding tissue.

FIGS. 25-27 illustrate another embodiment of an implant 800 ascontemplated according to the present invention. The implant 800includes a band 805 (FIG. 27), but the retention barbs of the previousexample have been eliminated in favor of an outer fabric implant sheath810. The fabric sheath 810 can be sutured or otherwise affixed to theanatomic tissue in a desired location. The circumference of the implantbody 800 is adjusted through a geared connector 825 similar to thegeared connector of the bandlike implant array shown in FIG. 23. Morespecifically, adjustment stops 820 on the band are engaged by amechanical worm 840 with an attached first geared head 850. The firstgeared head 850 mates with a second geared head 855. The second gearedhead 855 is attached to an adjustment stem 860 which is machined toreceive a screwdriver-like adjustment element.

FIG. 28 illustrates an example of the method of use of animplant/delivery system array 600 for positioning an implant 645 in apatient with ischemic annular dilatation and mitral regurgitation.Peripheral arterial access is obtained via conventional cutdown,arterial puncture, or other standard access techniques. After access tothe arterial system is attained, guidewire placement is performed andintravascular access to the heart 900 is obtained using fluoroscopic,ultrasound, three-dimension ultrasound, magnetic resonance, or otherreal-time imaging techniques. The guidewire, deployment device, andimplant are passed through the aortic valve in a retrograde fashion intothe left ventricle 905 and then into the left atrium 910. At this point,the operator retracts the housing sheath 605, thus unsheathing thecollapsed deployment umbrella 642 and implant 645. The deploymentumbrella 642 is then distended by the distal motion of the actuationcatheter, causing the radial support arms and struts to fully distend.At this point, the touchdown detectors 648 are not in contact with anysolid structures, and are fully extended with their radiolucent gapsvisible on the imaging system. Once the deployment umbrella isdistended, the entire assembly is pulled back against the area of themitral valve 915. At least two touchdown detectors 648 are employed in apreferred embodiment according to the present invention. When alltouchdown detectors show the disappearance of their intermediate,non-opaque, intermediate segments and are thus activated, then thedeployment umbrella must be in contact with the solid tissue in theregion of the mitral annulus/atrial tissue, and further implantdeployment and adjustment may proceed. However, if any one touchdownsensor is not activated, and a radiolucent gap persists, then the deviceis not properly positioned, and must be repositioned before furtherdeployment. Thus, the touchdown sensor system may assist in thedeployment and adjustment of prosthetic devices by the delivery systemaccording to the present invention. Once properly positioned, theoperator rotates the actuation catheter in a prescribed clockwise orcounterclockwise manner to engage the retention barbs on the implantinto the tissue in the region of the mitral annulus/atrial tissue.Should re-positioning be required, a reverse motion would disengage theretention barbs from the annular/atrial tissue, and repositioning may beperformed, again using the touchdown detectors for proper placement.Once firmly seated, the adjustment element(s) are operated to achievethe desired degree of annular reduction. Real-time trans esophagealechocardiography, intravascular echocardiography, intracardiacechocardiography, or other modalities for assessing mitral function maythen be employed to assess the physiologic effect of the repair onmitral function, and additional adjustments may be performed. Once adesired result has been achieved, the release elements are activated todetach the implant from the deployment umbrella. The operator thenretracts the actuation catheter and extends the housing sheath,collapsing the deployment umbrella and covering the components for asmooth and atraumatic withdrawal of the device from the heart andvascular system.

If desired, the adjustment elements may be left in position after thecatheter components are withdrawn for further physiologic adjustment. Inyet other embodiments according to the present invention, acatheter-based adjustment elements may subsequently be re-insertedthrough a percutaneous or other route. Such an adjustment element may besteerably operable by the operator, and may be provided with magnetic,electronic, electromagnetic, or laser-guided systems to allow docking ofthe adjustment element with the adjustable mechanism contained withinthe implant. In still other embodiments, the adjustment mechanism may bedriven by implanted electromechanical motors or other systems, which maybe remotely controlled by electronic flux or other remote transcutaneousor percutaneous methods.

In the case of pulmonic valve repair, initial catheter access isachieved through a peripheral or central vein. Access to the pulmonaryvalve is also achieved from below the valve once central venous accessis achieved by traversing the right atrium, the tricuspid valve, theright ventricle, and subsequently reaching the pulmonic valve.

In yet other embodiments according to the present invention, catheteraccess to the left atrium can be achieved from cannulation of central orperipheral veins, thereby achieving access to the right atrium. Then astandard atrial trans-septal approach may be utilized to access the leftatrium by creation of an iatrogenic atrial septal defect (ASD). In sucha situation, the mitral valve may be accessed from above the valve, asopposed to the retrograde access described in Example 1. The implant anda reversed deployment umbrella may be utilized with implant placement inthe atrial aspect of the mitral annulus, with the same repair techniquedescribed previously. The iatrogenic ASD may then be closed usingstandard device methods. Access to the aortic valve may also be achievedfrom above the aortic valve via arterial access in a similar retrogradefashion.

Other embodiments of the adjustable implant and methods according to thepresent invention include gastrointestinal disorders such asgastro-esophageal reflux disease (GERD), a condition in which thegastro-esophageal (GE) junction lacks adequate sphincter tone to preventthe reflux of stomach contents into the esophagus, causing classicheartburn or acid reflux. This not only results in discomfort, but maycause trauma to the lower esophagus over time that may lead to thedevelopment of pre-cancerous lesions (Barrett's esophagus) oradenocarcinoma of the esophagus at the GE junction. Surgical repair ofthe GE junction has historically been achieved with the NissenFundoplication, an operative procedure with generally good results.However, the Nissen procedure requires general anesthesia and a hospitalstay. Utilizing the devices and methods according to the presentinvention, an adjustable implant would obviate the need for a hospitalstay and be performed in a clinic or gastroenterologist's office.Referring now to FIGS. 29 and 30, an umbrella deployment device 600 withimplant 645 is passed under guidance of an endoscope 1000, through thepatient's mouth, esophagus 1005, and into the stomach 1010, where thedeployment device 600 is opened with expansion of the implant 645 andtouchdown detectors 648 with a color-coded or otherwise visible gap. Thetouchdown detectors are then engaged onto the stomach around thegastroesophageal junction 1015 under direct endoscopic control until alltouchdown detectors 648 are visually activated. The implant is thenattached to the stomach wall, 1020 the umbrella 642 is released andwithdrawn, leaving behind the implant 645 and the adjustment elements.The implant is then adjusted until the desired effect is achieved, i.e.,minimal acid reflux either by patient symptoms, pH monitoring of theesophagus, imaging studies, or other diagnostic means. If the patientshould suffer from gas bloat, a common complication of gastroesophagealjunction repair in which the repair is too tight and the patient isunable to belch, the implant can be loosened until a more desirableeffect is achieved.

In various embodiments anticipated by the present invention, the implantbody may be straight, curved, circular, ovoid, polygonal, or somecombination thereof. In various embodiments anticipated by the presentinvention the implant may be capable of providing a uniform ornon-uniform adjustment of an orifice or lumen within the body. Theimplant body may further completely enclose the native recipientanatomic site, or it may be provided in an interrupted form thatencloses only a portion of the native recipient anatomic site. In stillother embodiments of the present invention, the implant body may be asolid structure, while in yet other embodiments the implant body mayform a tubular or otherwise hollow structure. In one embodiment of thepresent invention, the body may further be a structure with an outermember, an inner member, and optional attachment members. In such anembodiment, the outer member of the implant body may serve as a coveringfor the implant, and is designed to facilitate and promote tissueingrowth and biologic integration to the native recipient anatomic site.The outer member in such an embodiment may be fabricated of abiologically compatible material, such as Dacron, PTFE, malleablemetals, other biologically compatible materials or a combination of suchbiologically compatible materials in a molded, woven, or non-wovenconfiguration. The outer member in such an embodiment also serves tohouse the inner member. In this embodiment, the inner member provides anadjustment means that, when operated by an adjustment mechanism, iscapable of altering the shape and/or size of the outer member in adefined manner.

In alternate embodiments according to the present invention, theadjustment means may be located external to or incorporated within theouter member. In yet additional alternate embodiments contemplated bythe present invention, the implant body may consist of an adjustmentmeans without a separate outer member covering said adjustment means.

In various embodiments according to the present invention, theadjustment means may include a mechanism which may be threaded ornon-threaded, and which may be engaged by the action of a screw or wormscrew, a friction mechanism, a friction-detent mechanism, a toothedmechanism, a ratchet mechanism, a rack and pinion mechanism, or suchother devices to permit discreet adjustment and retention of desiredsize a desired position, once the proper size is determined.

In yet other embodiments according to the present invention, theadjustment means may comprise a snare or purse string-like mechanism inwhich a suture, a band, a wire or other fiber structure, braided ornon-braided, monofilament or multifilament, is capable of affecting theanatomic and/or physiologic effects of the implant device on a nativeanatomic recipient site upon varying tension or motion imparted to saidwire or fiber structure by a surgeon or other operator. Such anadjustment means may be provided as a circular or non-circular structurein various embodiments. Changes in tension or motion may change the sizeand/or shape of the implant.

In various embodiments according to the present invention, theadjustment means may be a metallic, plastic, synthetic, natural,biologic, or any other biologically-compatible material, or combinationthereof. Such adjustment means may further be fabricated by extrusion orother molding techniques, machined, or woven. Furthermore, in variousembodiments of the present invention, the adjustment means may be smoothor may include slots, beads, ridges, or any other smooth or texturedsurface.

In various embodiments of the present invention, the implant body may beprovided with one or more attachment members such as grommets oropenings or other attachment members to facilitate attachment of theimplant to the native recipient site. In alternate embodiments, theimplant body may attach to or incorporate a mechanical tissue interfacesystem that allows a sutureless mechanical means of securing the implantat the native recipient site. In still other alternate embodiments,sutures or other attachment means may be secured around or through theimplant body to affix the implant body to the native recipient site. Inyet other embodiments of the present invention, mechanical means ofsecuring the implant body to the native recipient site may be augmentedor replaced by use of fibrin or other biologically-compatible tissueglues or similar adhesives.

In additional various embodiments according to the present invention,the adjustable implant may be employed to adjustably enlarge or maintainthe circumference or other dimensions of an orifice, ostium, lumen, oranastomosis in which a disease process tends to narrow or constrict suchcircumference or other dimensions.

In various embodiments according to the present invention, an adjustmentmechanism may be provided to interact with the adjustment means toachieve the desired alteration in the size and/or position of theadjustment means. Such an adjustment mechanism may include one or morescrews, worm-screw arrays rollers, gears, frictional stops, afriction-detent system, ratchets, rack and pinion arrays,micro-electromechanical systems, other mechanical or electromechanicaldevices or some combination thereof.

In some embodiments as contemplated by the present invention, anadjustment tool may be removably or permanently attached to theadjustment mechanism and disposed to impart motion to the adjustmentmechanism and, in turn, to the adjustment means to increase or decreasethe anatomic effect of the implant on the native recipient site.

In alternate embodiments according to the present invention, micromotorarrays with one or more micro-electromechanical motor systems withrelated electronic control circuitry may be provided as an adjustmentmeans, and may be activated by remote control through signals convey byelectromagnetic radiation or by direct circuitry though electronicconduit leads which may be either permanently or removably attached tosaid micromotor arrays.

In still other various embodiments according to the present invention,the adjustment mechanism may be provided with a locking mechanismdisposed to maintain the position of the adjustment means in a selectedposition upon achievement of the optimally desired anatomic and/orphysiologic effect upon the native recipient site and the bodily organto which it belongs. In other embodiments, no special locking mechanismmay be necessary due to the nature of the adjustment means employed.

In yet other alternate embodiments according to the present invention,the adjustment means and/or the outer member structure may be a pliablesynthetic material capable of rigidification upon exposure toelectromagnetic radiation of selected wavelength, such as ultravioletlight. In such embodiments, exposure to the desired electromagneticradiation may be achieved by external delivery of such radiation to theimplant by the surgeon, or by internal delivery of such radiation withinan outer implant member using fiberoptic carriers placed within saidouter member and connected to an appropriate external radiation source.Such fiberoptic carriers may be disposed for their removal in whole orin part from the outer implant member after suitable radiation exposureand hardening of said adjustment means.

The present invention also provides methods of using an adjustableimplant device to selectively alter the anatomic structure and/orphysiologic effects of tissues forming a passageway for blood, otherbodily fluids, nutrient fluids, semi-solids, or solids, or wastes withina mammalian body. Various embodiments for such uses of adjustableimplants include, but are not limited to, open surgical placement ofsaid adjustable implants at the native recipient site through an opensurgical incision, percutaneous or intravascular placement of saidimplants under visual control employing fluoroscopic, ultrasound,magnetic resonance imaging, or other imaging technologies, placement ofsaid implants through tissue structural walls, such as the coronarysinus or esophageal walls, or methods employing some combination of theabove techniques. In various embodiments as contemplated by the presentinvention, adjustable implants may be placed and affixed in position ina native recipient anatomic site by trans-atrial, trans-ventricular,trans-arterial, trans-venous (i.e., via the pulmonary veins) or otherroutes during beating or non-beating cardiac surgical procedures orendoscopically or percutaneously in gastrointestinal surgery.

Furthermore, alternate methods for use of an adjustable implant devicemay provide for the periodic, post-implantation adjustment of the sizeof the anatomic structure receiving said implant device as needed toaccommodate growth of the native recipient site in a juvenile patient orother changes in the physiologic needs of the recipient patient.

Adjustment of the adjustable implants and the methods for their use asdisclosed herein contemplates the use by the surgeon or operator ofdiagnostic tools to provide an assessment of the nature of adjustmentneeded to achieve a desired effect. Such diagnostic tools include, butare not limited to, transesophageal echocardiography, echocardiography,diagnostic ultrasound, intravascular ultrasound, virtual anatomicpositioning systems integrated with magnetic resonance, computerizedtomographic, or other imaging technologies, endoscopy, mediastinoscopy,laparoscopy, thoracoscopy, radiography, fluoroscopy, magnetic resonanceimaging, computerized tomographic imaging, intravascular flow sensors,thermal sensors or imaging, remote chemical or spectral analysis, orother imaging or quantitative or qualitative analytic systems.

In one aspect, the implant/delivery system of the present inventioncomprises a collapsible, compressible, or distensible prosthetic implantand a delivery interface for such a prosthetic implant that is capableof delivering the prosthetic implant to a desired anatomic recipientsite in a collapsed, compressed, or non-distended state, and thenallowing controlled expansion or distension and physical attachment ofsuch a prosthetic implant by a user at the desired anatomic recipientsite. Such a system permits the delivery system and prosthetic implantto be introduced percutaneously through a trocar, sheath, via Seldingertechnique, needle, or endoscopically through a natural bodily orifice,body cavity, or region and maneuvered by the surgeon or operator to thedesired anatomic recipient site, where the delivery system andprosthetic implant may be operably expanded for deployment. Whendesirable, the implant/delivery system according to the presentinvention is also capable of allowing the user to further adjust thesize or shape of the prosthetic implant once it has been attached to thedesired anatomic recipient site. The delivery system according to thepresent invention is then capable of detaching from its interface withthe prosthetic implant and being removed from the anatomic site by theoperator. The delivery system and prosthetic implant may be provided ina shape and size determined by the anatomic needs of an intended nativerecipient anatomic site within a mammalian patient. Such a nativerecipient anatomic site may be a heart valve, the esophagus near thegastro-esophageal junction, the anus, or other anatomic sites within amammalian body that are creating dysfunction that might be relieved byan implant capable of changing the size and shape of that site andmaintaining a desired size and shape after surgery.

In various embodiments contemplated by the present invention, thedelivery system may be a catheter, wire, filament, rod, tube, endoscope,or other mechanism capable of reaching the desired recipient anatomicsite through an incision, puncture, trocar, or through an anatomicpassageway such as a vessel, orifice, or organ lumen, ortrans-abdominally or trans-thoracically. In various embodimentsaccording to the present invention, the delivery system may be steerableby the operator. The delivery system may further have a deliveryinterface that would retain and convey a prosthetic implant to thedesired recipient anatomic site. Such a delivery interface may beoperably capable of distending, reshaping, or allowing the independentdistension or expansion of such a prosthetic implant at the desiredrecipient anatomic site. Furthermore, such a delivery interface mayprovide an operable means to adjust the distended or expanded size,shape, or physiologic effect of the prosthetic implant once said implanthas been attached in situ at the desired recipient anatomic site. Invarious embodiments according to the present invention, such adjustmentmay be carried out during the procedure in which the implant is placed,or at a subsequent time. Depending upon the specific anatomic needs of aspecific application, the delivery interface and the associatedprosthetic implant may be straight, curved, circular, helical, tubular,ovoid, polygonal, or some combination thereof. In still otherembodiments of the present invention, the prosthetic implant may be asolid structure, while in yet other embodiments the prosthetic implantmay form a tubular, composite, or otherwise hollow structure. In oneembodiment of the present invention, the prosthetic implant may furtherbe a structure with an outer member, an inner member, and optionalattachment members. In such an embodiment, the outer member of theprosthetic implant may serve as a covering for the implant, and isdesigned to facilitate and promote tissue ingrowth and biologicintegration to the native recipient anatomic site. The outer member insuch an embodiment may be fabricated of a biologically compatiblematerial, such as Dacron, PTFE, malleable metals, other biologicallycompatible materials or a combination of such biologically compatiblematerials in a molded, woven, or non-woven configuration. The outermember in such an embodiment also serves to house the inner member. Inthis embodiment, the inner member provides an adjustment means that,when operated by an adjustment mechanism, is capable of altering theshape and/or size of the outer member in a defined manner.

In some embodiments according to the present invention, at least someportions of the adjustable inner or outer member may be elastic toprovide an element of variable, artificial muscle tone to a valve,sphincter, orifice, or lumen in settings where such variability would befunctionally valuable, such as in the treatment of rectal incontinenceor vaginal prolapse.

In various embodiments according to the present invention, the deliveryinterface would have an attachment means to retain and convey theprosthetic implant en route to the native anatomic recipient site andduring any in situ adjustment of the prosthetic implant once it has beenplaced by the operator. Such an attachment means would be operablyreversible to allow detachment of the prosthetic implant from thedelivery interface once desired placement and adjustment of theprosthetic implant has been accomplished.

In one embodiment of the present invention, illustrated in FIG. 31, animplantable device system 1000 for controlling at least the size orshape of an anatomical structure or lumen includes an implantable device1002 and an adjustment tool 1006. The anatomical structure or lumen isan anatomic site with dysfunction that can be relieved by theimplantable device 1002 to change a size or shape of the anatomic site.

The implantable device 1002, in one exemplary embodiment, has a diameterno larger than 3.5 mm. In another embodiment the implantable device 1002is configured to have variable size relative to its placement at anannulus of a heart valve. The implantable device 1002 has an adjustablemember 1004 configured to adjust the dimensions of the implantabledevice 1002. In one embodiment, the torqueable adjustment tool 1006provides adjustment of the dimensions of the implantable device 1002.The adjustable member 1004, in some embodiments, may be oriented toreceive the adjustment tool from a direction generally perpendicular tothe primary plane defined by the implant device 1002. Such anorientation is advantageous for intravenous access of the tool and insitu adjustment of the implant device 1002. The implantable device 1002can have a configuration where there are different pulling rates atdifferent sections of the implantable device 1002. The implantabledevice 1002 may optionally include a flexible tube (1032, FIG. 38) andan outer fabric sheath (810, FIGS. 25 and 26), which are not shown inthe subsequent figures for clarity. The outer fabric sheath can besutured, stapled, clipped, coiled, or otherwise affixed to anatomictissue in a desired location. Generally the desired location isconsidered to be the internal surface of the area to be controlled, suchas (for example) an interior wall of an organ, artery, or other internalanatomic passage. Also, while the implantable device 1002 is generallyshown in the subsequent figures to have a “D”-shaped configuration, itshould be understood that other shapes can be used in accordance withembodiments of the present invention.

Still referring to FIG. 31, in certain embodiments, the adjustment tool1006 is at least partially hollow, and in one specific embodiment atleast 50% hollow. The adjustment tool 1006 may be an elongated tool,which has a proximal end and a distal end releasably attached to theadjustable member 1004 of implantable device 1002. The adjustment tool1006 may extend from its distal end coupled to the adjustable member1004 to a control interface (e.g., handle) at the proximal end locatedpreferably outside of the patient's body. The adjustment tool 1006, whencoupled to the adjustable member 1004 of implantable device 1002, canprovide a preferential shape change of the implantable device 1002 inplanar and non-planar directions. The adjustment tool 1006 can adjustthe implantable device 1002 in terms of narrowing or widening thedimensions of the implantable device 1002.

FIG. 32A is a schematic of the implant device 1002 without showing anoptional flexible outer tube and fabric sheath. The implantable deviceincludes an adjustable member 1004 and adjustable tube portions 1013 aand 1013 b, which slide within hollow tube portions 1014 a and 1014 b,and retaining tube 1015. FIG. 32B is a schematic of a disassembledportion of implantable device 1002 with retaining tube 1015 removed. Asshown in FIG. 32B, in various embodiments, the implantable device 1002includes a threaded rod 1008 threaded with right-hand helical grooves1010 and left-hand helical grooves 1012. Other embodiments may include athreaded rod 1008 with helical grooves in a single direction (e.g., allright-hand grooves or all left-hand grooves). Threaded rod 1008 may be arigid material such as titanium, stainless steel, or a polymer.Adjustable tube portions 1013 a and 1013 b enclose at least a portion ofgrooves 1010 and 1012 so that pins 1016 a, 1016 b or protuberances onthe inside diameter of the adjustable tube portions 1013 a, 1013 b areengaged by the grooves 1010 and 1012, respectively. In otherembodiments, pins 1016 a, 1016 b may be replaced by threads along theinside diameter of the adjustable tube portions 1013 a, 1013 b. Helicalgrooves 1010 and 1012 may be single channels or multiple channels toengage single pins 1016 a, 1016 b or multiple pins. Hollow tube portions1014 a, 1014 b are relatively rigid to maintain curvature of theadjustable tube portions 1013 a, 1013 b regardless of the adjustmentposition.

The implantable device 1002 can have a coating including, but notlimited to, heparin, and antibiotic, collagen, and an agent thatpromotes tissue in growth, PGLA, a de-calcification agent and the like.The implantable device 1002 can be made of a variety of materialsincluding, but not limited to, a shape memory alloy (SMA), a shapememory polymer (SMP), titanium, stainless steel, polymer, a suture-basedmaterial, a biological material and the like.

In another embodiment of the present invention, illustrated in FIGS. 33through 37, the adjustable member 1004 provides translated motionthrough rotation. FIGS. 33 through illustrate a theory of operation ofan embodiment of the present invention, while FIGS. 36 and 37 showndetails of the adjustment member 1004.

Referring to now FIG. 33, adjustable member 1004 of implantable device1102 is shown including a docking port 1021 to receive the distal tip ofthe adjustment tool 1006 (FIG. 31). In this embodiment, implant deviceincludes a set of inner tubing 1028 a, 1028 b and a set of outer tubing1026 a, 1026 b that can move relative to each other. The ends of theinner tubing 1028 a, 1028 b that do not engage the outer tubing 1026 a,1026 b are secured to a set of hollow tubing 1014 a, 1014 b so that theinner tubing 1028 a, 1028 b does not move relative to the hollow tubing1014 a, 1014 b. Although hollow tube portions 1014 a, 1014 b may beseparate pieces that are permanently abutted when assembled, in someembodiments, the hollow tube portions 1014 a, 1014 b may be formed froma single tubing piece. An inner cable 1030 passes through the varioustubing. Thus, the rigidity of the hollow tubing can be used to maintainthe adjustable implant 1102 shape in certain dimensions so thatadjustment of the device can be restricted to a preferred dimension, forexample, an anterior-posterior dimension.

As shown in more detail in FIGS. 36 and 37, adjustable member 1004 mayalso include a pinion gear 1022 (which may be integral to a docking port1021) and a crown gear 1024. FIG. 36 provides an isometric view of theadjustable member 1004, and FIG. 37 provides a cut-away view of theadjustable member 1004. As can be seen in the figures, the pinion gear1022 engages the crown gear 1024. In some embodiments, the pinion gear1022 may be eliminated from adjustable member 1004, and the distal tipof the adjustment tool 1006 may serve as the pinion gear when the toolis coupled to the docking port 1021. When coupled to the docking port1021, the adjustment tool 1006 can rotate the pinion gear 1022.

Referring back to FIG. 33, the implantable device 1102 is showngenerally at the middle of its adjustment range. Outer tubing 1026 a,1026 b is affixed to the adjustable member 1004 and extends along aportion of the circumference of implantable device 1102. Inner tubing1028 a, 1028 b is affixed to hollow tubing 1014 a, 1014 b, respectively.Similar to the single threaded rod 1008 of FIG. 32B, threaded rods 1018a, 1018 b sit inside the hollow tubing 1014 a, 1014 b and are threadedlyengaged therewith. Threaded rods 1018 a, 1018 b may be a rigid materialsuch as titanium, stainless steel, or a polymer. Hollow tube portions1014 a, 1014 b enclose the threaded rods 1018 a, 1018 b such thatrotation of the threaded rods 1018 a, 1018 b causes them to move axiallywithin the hollow tube portions 1014 a, 1014 b. The threaded rod 1018 amay have right-handed threads, and the threaded rod 1018 b may have lefthanded threads. Other embodiments may include threaded rods 1018 a, 1018b with threads in a single direction (e.g., all right-hand grooves orall left-hand threads).

The crown gear 1024, and one end of each threaded rod 1018 a, 1018 b areall attached to an inner cable 1030. Inner cable 1030 may be a cable ortube of any material with sufficient flexibility to conform to a shapeof the implantable device 1102 while translating torque. For example,suitable material for inner cable 1030 may include titanium or stainlesssteel. As shown more clearly in FIGS. 36 and 37, the rotation of crowngear 1024 imparts rotation to cable 1030 in the same direction.

Referring to FIG. 34, when the handle of adjustment tool 1006 (not shownin this figure) is rotated clockwise in docking port 1021, it causesclockwise rotation of the pinion gear 1022 (in FIG. 36). Rotation of thepinion gear 1022 in turn rotates crown gear 1024. The rotation of crowngear 1024 causes rotation of inner cable 1030, which imparts rotationalmovement to each threaded rod 1018 a, 1018 b. The rotation applied tothe threaded rods 1018 a, 1018 b causes them to advance into theirrespective hollow tubing 1014 a, 1014 b in the directions A1, A2 shown.As shown in FIG. 34, when threaded rods 1018 a, 1018 b advance towardthe middle of the hollow tubing 1014 a, 1014 b the overall circumferenceof the implant device 1002 is reduced. Advancing the threaded rods 1018a, 1018 b drives the inner cable 1030 into the hollow tubing 1014 a,1014 b. Translation of inner cable 1030 into the hollow tubing 1014 a,1014 b causes the hollow tubing 1014 a, 1014 b to move towardsadjustable member 1004 in the direction B1 shown. Inner tubing 1028 a,1028 b slides into outer tubing 1026 a, 1026 b to accommodate movementof the inner cable 1030.

Referring to FIG. 35, the handle of adjustment tool 1006 (not shown inthis figure) is rotated counter-clockwise in docking port 1021 to causecounter-clockwise rotation of the pinion gear 1022 (FIG. 36). Rotationof the pinion gear 1022, in turn rotates crown gear 1024. The rotationof crown gear 1024 causes rotation of inner cable 1030, which impartsrotational movement to each threaded rod 1018 a, 1018 b. The rotationapplied to the threaded rods 1018 a, 1018 b causes them to begin towithdraw from their respective hollow tubing 1014 a, 1014 b in thedirections A2, A1 shown. As shown in FIG. 35, as threaded rods 1018 a,1018 b withdraw from the middle of the hollow tubing 1014 a, 1014 b theoverall circumference of the implant device 1002 is increased.Withdrawal of the threaded rods 1018 a, 1018 b pushes the inner cable1030 out of the hollow tubing 1014 a, 1014 b. Translation of inner cable1030 out of the hollow tubing

1014 a, 1014 b causes the hollow tubing 1014 a, 1014 b to move away fromadjustable member 1004 in the direction B2 shown. Inner tubing 1028 a,1028 b telescopes out of outer tubing 1026 a, 1026 b to accommodatemovement of the inner cable 1030.

The inner tubing 1028 a, 1028 b, the outer tubing 1026 a, 1026 b, andthe hollow tubing 1014 a, 1014 b may be covered by a flexible tube 1032,such as a silicone tube, shown in FIG. 38. In one embodiment, outerflexible tube 1032 is provided with no seam in the axial direction ofthe tube to allow for better tissue ingrowth after the implantprocedure. In other embodiments inner tubing 1028 a, 1028 b may beeliminated, as shown in FIG. 39.

FIG. 39 provides an assembled cross-section view of an implantabledevice 1202 according to an embodiment of the invention. The implantdevice includes the adjustable member 1004, the outer tubing 1026 a,1026 b, the hollow tubing 1014 a, 1014 b, the inner cable 1030, and thethreaded rods 1018 a, 1018 b as discussed in relation to FIGS. 33-35. Asshown in FIG. 39, hollow tubing 1014 a, 1014 b may extend further alongthe length of inner cable 1030 than shown in other embodiments of FIGS.33-35 to better maintain a preferred shape of the implant. Hollow tubing1014 a, 1014 b may be threaded to receive the threaded rods 1018 a, 1018b; or hollow tubing may optionally include a threaded insert (spar 1019a, 1019 b) affixed to the inner diameter of hollow tubing 1014 a, 1014b. In operation, as previously described, an adjustment tool may impartmotion to the adjustable member 1004. Gears in the adjustable membertranslate motion to the inner cable 1030 that, in turn translate motionto the attached threaded rods 1018 a, 1018 b. Depending on the directionof rotation, rotation of threaded rods 1018 a, 1018 b causes thethreaded rods 1018 a, 1018 b to be drawn toward or away from the middleof the hollow tubing 1014 a, 1014 b, thus reducing or increasing theoverall circumference of the implant device 1002. The flexible outertube 1032 and a seal jacket 1100 (also shown in FIG. 40) encapsulate thedevice so that no moving parts are exposed. The flexible outer tube 1032provide sufficient rigidity to maintain a generally planar dimension,while allowing the device to adjust shape generally in a preferreddimension, such as the anterior-posterior dimension. As shown in FIG.39, the flexible outer tube 1032 may be further covered by an outerfabric sheath 1110 or thin sewing cuff. Elimination of the inner tubing(1028 a, 1028 b of FIG. 35) eliminates the need for telescoping partsand prevents the possibility of telescoping tubes being sutured orclipped together during attachment of the implant.

Referring to FIG. 40, the adjustable member 1004 can include a sealjacket 1100. FIG. 40 shows an embodiment of the seal jacket 1100. Theseal jacket 1100 may include a cover 1102 for the docking port 1021(FIG. 33) of the adjustable member 1004. The cover 1102 may be in theform of a slit septum, flaps, elastic material or the like. The sealjacket cover 1102 may be included as part of a seal jacket 1100 thatcovers the entire housing of the adjustable member 1004 or a separatepiece. In one embodiment, the seal jacket 1100 may be secured to theflexible tube 1032. The seal jacket 1100 and flexible tube 1032 may besecured by an adhesive bond, a wrap, sutures, or the like. The cover1102 provides access for an adjustment tool to couple to the dockingport, while reducing the possibility of thrombus. In some embodiments,seal jacket cover 1102 and/or the seal jacket 1100 may be made ofsilicone, and covered by a polyester sewing layer or fabric sheath(e.g., 1110 of FIG. 39). In various embodiments, the seal jacket fitsover the housing of the adjustable member 1004 that includes a crowngear coupled to a cable, can provide pinion access, and the like. Inoperation, the distal tip of an adjustment tool passes through the cover1102 to engage the rotatable gear of adjustable member 1004.

FIG. 41 shows an embodiment of implantable device 1302 including a firstadjustment band 1042 a and a second adjustment band 1042 b. The firstand second adjustment bands 1042 a, 1042 b can be overlapped, and theamount of overlap is effected by how the implantable device 1302 issized. The first and second bands 1042 a, 1042 b can be slidablerelative to each other. An adjustable member 1304 is coupled to thefirst band 1042 a and the second band 1042 b, and pulls or pushes themtoward or away from each other. The first band 1042 a and the secondband 1042 b can have flexible portions 1046 a, 1046 b configured tocreate a flexible zone at the primary bend regions 1047 a, 1047 b. Theflexible portions 1046 a, 1046 b can have varying lengths and may alsoinclude one or more rigid portions 1044. These rigid portions 1044 caninclude welded braids or bands, or have a higher durometer material thanthe flexible portions 1046 a, 1046 b. The flexible portions 1046 a, 1046b and rigid portions 1044 may be part of the same material as the firstand second bands 1042 a, 1042 b, or one or more portions may be separatematerial that is joined to form continuous piece.

The first and second bands 1042 a, 1042 b can have different sizes orthe same sizes. In one specific embodiment, the first and second bands1042 a, 1042 b are about 0.5 to 3 mm in thickness and about 5 to 10 mmin width. The first and second bands 1042 a, 1042 b can be made of avariety of materials including, but not limited to, an SMA, an SMP,titanium, stainless steel, polymer, a suture-based material, abiological material and the like. In one embodiment, the first andsecond bands 1042 a, 1042 b include a plurality of band layers. At leasta portion of the first and second bands 1042 a, 1042 b may havesuperelastic properties. Implant 1302 may include a flexible, extrudedouter layer (not shown) or hollow tube, such as flexible tube 1032 ofFIG. 38, to encase the structure formed by the first and second bands1042 a, 1042 b flexible portions 1046 a, 1046 b, and rigid portions1044. The parts of the first and second bands 1042 a, 1042 b, thatextend past adjustable member 1304 can be contained within the hollowinterior of the outer layer.

FIG. 42 provides a more detailed schematic view of the unassembledadjustment bands and adjustment member of FIG. 41. The first and secondbands 1042 a, 1042 b may include a series of adjustment stops 1048.Adjustment stops may be in the form of holes, detents, dimples, ridges,teeth, raised elements, other mechanical features or the like. Theseholes 1048 on each of the bands 1042 a, 1042 b are coupled to anadjustable member 1304. The adjustable member 1304 may be generallycylindrical (such as a spool) with a series of teeth 1050 or protrusionsradially positioned to engage the adjustment stops 1048. Adjustablemember 1304 may also include a docking port 1320 to receive anadjustment tool to trigger rotational movement of the adjustable member.

FIG. 43 provides an assembled view of the adjustment band and adjustmentmember of FIG. 42. When mounted in a housing (not shown in FIG. 43), theadjustable member 1304 may be mounted on an axis to allow for rotationalmovement. The first and second bands 1042 a, 1042 b pass on either sideof adjustable member 1304 so that the teeth 1050 engage the adjustmentstops 1048 in each of the bands 1042 a, 1042 b. Rotating the adjustablemember in turn tightens or loosens the bands.

FIG. 44 is a cut-away view of an embodiment of the gearbox for theadjustment band of FIG. 41. In this embodiment, the adjustable member1304 rests on a spring 1052 inside a housing 1040 for the adjustablemember. The housing 1040 includes access and guidance for the first andsecond bands (1042 a, 1042 b of FIG. 43) to couple with the teeth 1050of the adjustable member 1304. The spring 1052 forces the adjustablemember 1304 upward so that teeth 1056 on the top of the adjustablemember 1304 engage with teeth 1058 on the inside upper surface of thehousing 1040. Engagement of the adjustable member teeth 1056 with thehousing teeth 1058 locks the adjustable member 1304 in place to preventrotational movement. Downward force, applied for example by anadjustment tool, against the spring 1052 disengages the teeth 1056 and1058 so that the adjustable member 1304 can be rotated to adjust thesize or shape of implantable device 1302.

In another embodiment, FIG. 45 provides a schematic view of animplantable device 1402 of the present invention with a plurality ofsliding bands that can be opened and closed to effect a shape change. Aswith the previous embodiments of FIGS. 41-44, the first and second bands1042 a, 1042 b pass on either side of adjustable member 1304 so that theteeth 1050 engage the adjustment stops 1048 in each of the bands 1042 a,1042 b. Additional bands 1042 c may be incorporated to increasestiffness at different areas of the implant device 1402 to providepreferential shape change. The additional bands 1042 c may be secured tothe first and second bands 1042 a, 1042 b using welds 1043, adhesive orother mechanical techniques known in the art.

As illustrated in FIG. 46, in one embodiment, an implantable device 1502has an anterior portion 1060, a posterior portion 1062 and dual threadsthat provide preferential adjustment of one side or the other ofimplantable device 1002. The implantable device 1502 has twoindependently adjustable threaded portions 1064 a, 1064 b used toachieve different pulling rates and/or lateral dimensions. Theadjustable threaded portions 1064 a, 1064 b can be connected to one ormore adjustable member 1004 of the implantable device 1502 andpositioned at either the posterior or anterior portions of theimplantable device 1502. In one embodiment, the posterior portion 1062may be a rigid member which includes threaded hex screws 1066 a, 1066 b,internal threads or similar structures. In one embodiment, the hexscrews 1066 a, 1066 b are attached in a manner that allows rotation ofthe hex screws so that the threads may engage adjustable threadedportions 1064 a, 1064 b. Rigid posterior portion 1062 may include one ormore of adjustable members 1004 that can receive a tool to impartrotational motion through an inner tube or cable to one or more of hexscrews 1066 a, 1066 b, as described above. Anterior portion 1060 may bea flexible tube to accommodate shape change as the anterior andposterior portions 1060, 1062 move relative to each other.

In another embodiment, differently pitched threads or other mechanismsmay be used to provide non-symmetrical shape change of the implantdevice. For example, referring to FIG. 46, wider threads on threadedportion 1064 b, in relation to the threads of threaded portion 1064 a,would allow an adjustable member 1004 to expand or contract the implant1502 more rapidly on the side of threaded portion 1064 b to providepreferential shape change for a selected region while using a singleadjustable member.

FIG. 47 is a schematic view of an embodiment of an adjustable member1604 for an implantable device. An adjustment tool may impartreciprocating motion to the adjustable member 1604 that includes aclover gear 1070 mounted in a housing 1072. The inner cable 1030 (FIG.33) of the implantable device, for example, is affixed to the clovergear 1070 such that rotation of the clover gear transmits torque throughthe inner cable 1030 to a screw or other adjustable portion of theimplantable device as previously disclosed. In this embodiment, theadjustment tool can provide reciprocating action to provide foradjustment. The adjustable member takes an axial force applied to thecontrol portion at the proximal end of the adjustment tool and convertsit to a rotational force applied to the inner cable 1030 of theimplantable device. Reciprocating axial force may be provided from anadjustment tool by using spring-mounted buttons pressed by the user.Pressing a first button may transmit a downward axial motion to a firstribbon 1074 which engages the clover gear 1070 to cause clockwiserotation of the clover gear 1070. A spring or other return force pushesthe first ribbon back to its original position after each click or pressof the button. Similarly, pressing a second button may transmit adownward axial motion to a second ribbon 1076 that engages the clovergear 1070 to cause counter-clockwise rotation of the clover gear 1070.

In another embodiment, the adjustment tool provides coarse adjustmentand fine adjustment. This varied adjustment can be achieved with theadjustment tool having screws with different threads.

FIG. 48 provides a schematic view of an embodiment of the implantabledevice system 1000 including an adjustment tool 1706 with high columnstrength and stiffness. The adjustment tool 1706 has a shaft 1794 and ahandle 1096 with sufficient column strength to ensure a downward axialforce on the handle 1096 provides proper engagement with the adjustablemember 1004 of the implantable device 1002. The handle 1096 may be agrip-like handle, as shown, or a smaller pen-type handle. The adjustmenttool 1706 can include mechanical locking at the distal region 1782 tolock with the adjustable member 1004. The mechanical locking isconfigured to provide engagement and disengagement tactile feel to thephysician.

FIG. 49 is a schematic view of another embodiment of the implantabledevice system 1000 including an adjustment tool 1806 with reduced columnstiffness. The adjustment tool 1806 has a handle 1096 a shaft 1080 withreduced column stiffness for greater flexibility and easier articulationof the adjustment tool 1806. The handle 1096 may be a grip-like handle,as shown, or a smaller pen-type handle. The easier articulation offeredby the this embodiment may facilitate user positioning of the device invivo and clearing adjacent biological structures, particularly when itis docketed to the adjustable member 1004 of the implant 1002.Flexibility may be varied along the length of the adjustment tool shaft1080. Flexibility may be increased at the distal region 1082 of theadjustment tool shaft 1006, particularly in the region immediatelyproximal to the gear/fitting at the distal tip of the adjustment tool1006. This gear/fitting is constrained orthogonally to the adjustablemember 1004, and it is important that the adjustment tool 1006 be easyto insert/connect and remain clear of biological structures.

FIG. 50 provides a view of an embodiment of the proximal end of theadjustment tool 1006. Referring to FIG. 50, adjustment tool 1006includes a flexible cable 1094 or similar structure that is affixed toand rotates with a handle 1996. In other embodiments, the adjustmenttool 1006 can have cables, a band, tubes, rods, and the like to impartrotational and/or axial motion from the proximal end to the distal tipof the tool 1006. The flexible cable 1094 may be enclosed by a flexible,low-friction cable jacket 1098 that allows the cable 1094 to rotatefreely within the jacket 1098. In some embodiments, adjustment tool 1006may also include a spring release mechanism to allow disengagement ofthe distal tip of the tool from the docking port 1021 (FIG. 33) withminimal force being applied to the sutures (or other mechanisms)securing the implant device to the tissue of an anatomic orifice orlumen. As shown in FIG. 50, in some embodiments, an e-clip 1099 orsimilar device may be used near the handle 1996 of the adjustment tool1006 to secure the release mechanism in the docking station untiladjustments are complete.

In one embodiment illustrated in FIG. 51, the adjustment tool 1006 maybe inserted inside a rigid sheath 1092 that reaches the implantabledevice 1002. Thus, FIG. 51 is a schematic view of an embodiment of theimplantable device system 1000 of the present invention with anarticulated shape. The rigidness of the sheath 1092 provides thenecessary column strength to support the flexible adjustment tool 1006.An added benefit to this embodiment is that the sheath may be left inplace, docked to the implantable device 1002. The flexible adjustmenttool 1006 may be removed and then reinserted at some future time toengage with the adjustable member 1004 of implantable device 1002.

The adjustment tool 1006 can have a handle 1096 that can be adjustable.The handle 1096 can have a length of at least 8 inches, and in oneembodiment at least 10 inches. Other embodiments may have a shorter orlonger handle length. The handle 1096 may be thick to provide ahand-grip, or, in other embodiments, smaller to provide a pen-like grip.The handle can have a device to quantify a size change of theimplantable device 1002. For example, a half-turn of the adjustment toolhandle can be correlated to a distance of travel of the threaded rods1018 a, 1018 b (FIG. 33) of an implant 1002, thus allowing for measuredadjustment of the implant. The handle may include a click-counter orother known device to measure rotational movement. In one embodiment,the adjustment tool 1006 may be included in a percutaneous deliverycatheter.

A sensor, such as the touchdown sensor described in relation to FIGS.12-18 above, can be coupled to the implantable device 1002. A variety ofdifferent sensors can be utilized, including but not limited to, sensorsthat measure pressure, temperature and flow across the implantabledevice 1002. Pacing leads are coupled to the sensor and the implantabledevice 1002, and in this embodiment, the sensor is responsive to flowthrough the implantable device 1002.

In another embodiment the implantable device system may include amicro-electromechanical motor system in conjunction with or instead of aseparate adjustment tool to commence rotational movement in anadjustable member. Power and control of the micro-electromechanicalmotor system can be provided by electromagnetic radiation or through adirect wire connection and previously described herein.

Finally, it will be understood that the preferred embodiment has beendisclosed by way of example, and that other modifications may occur tothose skilled in the art without departing from the scope and spirit ofthe appended claims.

As discussed above, it is contemplated that the flexible adjustment tool1006 may be removed and then reinserted at some future time to engagewith the adjustable member 1004 of implantable device 1002. FIGS. 52-59show one embodiment of an adjustment tool 2006 that can be reinsertedinto the body and reconnected to the adjustable member 2004, so thatadditional adjustments to the implantable device can be madepost-operatively. More specifically, FIG. 52 shows the adjustment tool2006 after it has been re-inserted into the left atrium, but before ithas been reconnected to the adjustable member 2004. In this example, theadjustment tool 2006 is re-inserted into the left atrium via a pursestring suture 2010. This procedure can be performed using a purse stringsuture tensioning device, such as the one described in InternationalPatent Application No. PCTIUS2008/080522, which is hereby incorporatedby reference. FIG. 53 shows the adjustment tool 2006 after it has beenreconnected to the adjustable member 2004.

FIGS. 54-59 show the procedure for reconnecting the adjustment tool 2006to the adjustable member 2004 of the implantable device. FIG. 54 showsan adjustable member 2004 with a gear 2020 that can be designed tocontrol the size and/or shape of the implantable device, in accordancewith any of the embodiments of the present invention previouslydescribed herein. The gear 2020 of the adjustable member 2004 isfunctionally connected to a gear hex fitting 2022, which in turn isfunctionally connected to a shaft hex fitting 2024. In a preferableembodiment, the shaft hex fitting 2024 is made of a rigid material thatwill allow it to most effectively transmit torque to the gear 2020.After the implantable device has been attached to an anatomic orifice orlumen, both the gear hex fitting 2022 and the shaft hex fitting 2024remain connected to the adjustable member 2004 so that the adjustmenttool 2006 can be reconnected to the adjustable member 2004 at a latertime. In order to post operatively reconnect the adjustment tool 2006 tothe adjustable member 2004, first, a guidewire 2026 is inserted into thebody and connected to the gear 2020 of the adjustable member 2004 byrotating a threaded screw 2028 on the distal end of the guidewire 2026using a knob component 2030 attached to the proximal end of theguidewire 2026, as shown in FIG. 54. The knob component 2030 and screw2028 are rotated until a shoulder portion 2032 of the guidewire 2026contacts the shaft hex fitting 2024, as shown in FIG. 55.

FIG. 56 shows the adjustment tool 2006 being reinserted along theguidewire 2026. The distal end of the adjustment tool 2006 includes ashaft hex tip 2034 with an internal hex that mates with shaft hexfitting 2024 connected to the adjustable member 2004. Once theadjustment tool 2006 has been mated with the shaft hex fitting 2024, theshaft 2036 of the adjustment tool 2006 can be rotated in order to impartrotation on the shaft hex fitting 2024. As shown in FIG. 57, this willcause the gear 2020 to rotate, which will cause the implantable deviceto change shape and/or size, as was explained above with respect toembodiments of the implantable device. After the desired adjustment hasbeen completed, the adjustment tool 2006 can be detached from theadjustable member 2004 by rotating the knob component 2030 andunscrewing the guidewire 2026 from the gear 2020, as shown in FIG. 58.Finally, FIG. 59 shows that, after the guidewire 2026 has beenunscrewed, the adjustment tool 2006, guidewire 2026, and shaft hexfitting 2024 can all be removed from the body.

FIGS. 60-62 show a second embodiment of an adjustment tool 2050 that canbe reinserted into the body and reconnected to the adjustable member2052 so that additional adjustments to the implantable device can bemade post-operatively. In this embodiment, the shaft hex fitting 2054 isconstructed so that it is long enough to extend through the purse stringsuture 2056. Similar to the previous embodiment, the shaft hex fitting2054 and gear hex fitting 2058 are left in the body when the adjustableimplant 2060 is attached to the anatomic orifice or lumen. The advantageof this embodiment is that, as shown in FIG. 60, it allows theadjustment tool 2050 to connect to the shaft hex fitting 2054 withouthaving to be re-inserted through the purse string suture 2056. This isbeneficial because it reduces the stress placed on the purse stringsuture during reconnection of the adjustment tool. The process forre-inserting and reconnecting the adjustment tool 2050 to the adjustablemember 2052 is similar to that discussed above with respect to FIGS.54-59, with one difference being that the connection takes place outsidethe purse string suture 2056. Furthermore, because the shaft hex fitting2054 is longer in this embodiment, it will need to be flexible (ratherthan rigid) to accommodate the anatomy of the heart, as shown in FIGS.61-62.

As discussed above, in various embodiments contemplated by the presentinvention, an adjustable implant may be placed and affixed in positionin a native recipient anatomic site by a percutaneous or other minimallyinvasive routes during beating or non-beating cardiac surgicalprocedures. FIGS. 63-72 show a reversible attachment apparatus that canbe used to attach an adjustable implant to an anatomic orifice or lumenusing a minimally invasive procedure. It will be understood that thepreferred embodiments disclosed below are by way of example, and thatother modifications may occur to those skilled in the art withoutdeparting from the scope and spirit of the appended claims.

Another aspect of the present invention enables implantation andadjustment of an implantable device using minimally invasive techniques.A further aspect enables an implantable device to be repositionednumerous times without invasive procedures. By way of non-limitingexample, one aspect of the current invention relates to a mitral ringthat can be positioned and then removed numerous times in order toensure that it is in the proper location.

By way of non-limiting example, a surgeon could deliver an adjustableimplantable device using a French catheter and approaching the annulusin at least two ways. One way of approaching would be through thejugular vein to the superior vena cava to the right atrium to thetranssseptal and to the left atrium. Another way to approach would bethrough the femoral vein, to the inferior vena cava, to the rightatrium, to the transseptal then to the left atrium. Other minimallyinvasive techniques would also function without departing from theinvention.

Once the implantable device is at the location where it is to bedeployed, the present invention allows for positioning and repositioningof the device to ensure that it is in its proper location. For example,a surgeon could assess the positioning of the device remotely usingtransesophageal echocardiography (TEE) or other diagnostic device ortools such that the position of the device can be ascertained. If thedevice is not in the correct position, then it can be detached andrepositioned. This process can be repeated until the device is in anacceptable location. Once the device is in an acceptable position, itsdimensions can be adjusted remotely. These adjustments can be tracked byTEE or other diagnostic imaging device.

By way of example, FIG. 63 shows a side view of a device that embodiesthe invention. The ring has at least an upper and a lower compartment.The upper compartment 2999 can contain mechanical components such asthose described and illustrated in FIG. 76-86, 6-11 or 21-24. Similarcomponents or no mechanical components can be in the upper compartmentwithout departing from the present invention. The lower compartment 2998can contain a reversible attachment apparatus that enables repeatedrepositioning of the ring.

By way of further example, FIG. 64 shows an embodiment of the invention.A moveable retainer ring guide 3001 that can be moved in eitherdirection and forms the floor of the upper compartment. A foam material3002 is included through which all retainers pass. This foam can be madeof a biocompatible, compressible or resilient material. The floor 3003of the lower compartment 2988 is made of Dacron, or similar material,and makes contact with an annulus 2997. The retainers pass through theDacron. The combination of the foam and the Dacron create a ring thatcan approximate the surface of the annulus 2997. In one embodimentdisplayed in FIG. 64, the Dacron is woven to a housing with a guide 3004that is made of material such as titanium. This guide 3004 serves toposition the barbed retainer 3005 into the annulus 2997 tissue that, inturn, does the same for the common retainers 3006. The guide 3004 servesto act as a stop or distance limiter between the Dacron cover and themoveable retainer guide 3001 or roof of the lower compartment. Thus,when the ring attachments need to be removed so that the ring can berepositioned, the lower compartment 2998 returns to its original shape.

The barbed retainer 3005 can be made of titanium or similar material andis rigid where it enters the annulus 2997 tissue but flexible where itattaches to the moveable retainer guide 3001. In FIG. 65-66, anotherlateral view of an embodiment of the invention is shown. In this view,the lower compartment 2998 of the implantable device is shown in contactwith the annulus 2997 surface in an inactivated mode and then with boththe barbed and common retainers deployed.

FIG. 66 shows both retainers being deployed in the annulus 2997 tissue.When the moveable retainer guide 3001 is moved to the right, in thisexample, the barbed retainers 3005 leave their housing and deploy intothe annulus 2997 in a circular direction in the manner of a fish hook.The barbed retainers 3005 are guided by the guide portion of the housing3004. The common retainers 3006 deploy through the foam 3002 coveredwith Dacron. The foam 3002 is compressed resulting in an intimatecontact with the annulus 2997 that comports to the shape of the annulus2997.

In another example of an embodiment of the invention, FIG. 67 shows animplantable device. In this Figure, the lower compartment 2998 iscompressed such that the device is ready to be inserted into a #20French canula (not shown). A drive mechanism 3007 moves the guide 3004which, in turn, compresses the foam 3002 and flattens the barbedretainers 3005 and common retainers 3006. FIG. 68 shows an implantabledevice deployed out of the canula and resting passively on the annulus2997. The drive mechanism 3007 can be used to move the movable retainerguide 3001 to enlarge toe foam 3002 to its maximum size. The drivemechanism 3007 may also be used to move the retainers 3005, 3006 totheir upright position.

In the activated mode, an example of which is shown in FIG. 69, thedrive mechanism 3007 moves the moveable retainer guide 3001 in order tocompress the foam 3002 and drive the barbed 3005 and common 3006retainers into the annuls 2997 tissue.

Another embodiment of the invention is displayed in FIG. 70-72. In thisfigure, the common retainers 3008 are made of a nickel titanium alloyand are pre-stressed. When deployed the common retainers 3008 willspiral in the tissue thereby increasing retention. The common retainers3008 made of nickel titanium alloy can be retracted into the foam 3002where they resume their original shape. The retention and common barbsof the invention, as illustrated above by the non-limiting examplesdiscussed, allow for repeatable attachment and detachment of animplantable device while removing or minimizing tissue damage.

As discussed above, it is contemplated that embodiments of the presentinvention can be used to adjust the shape and/or size of other heartvalves, such as the tricuspid valve. The tricuspid valve has threeleaflets: the anterior leaflet, the septal leaflet, and the posteriorleaflet. Regurgitation in the tricuspid valve is often due to a loss ofcoaptation between the anterior and posterior leaflets. Theatrioventricular node (AV node) is located near the septal leaflet ofthe tricuspid valve. This is significant because causing trauma near theAV node, such as by suturing, can result in heart block. FIGS. 73-78show one embodiment of an implantable device that can be used to adjustthe shape and/or size of the tricuspid valve. In this embodiment, theimplantable device 4002 has an open ring design, and can be positionedso that no suturing is needed near the AV node.

FIG. 73 shows an implantable device 4002 with an adjustable member 4004that includes a docking port 4021 to receive the distal end of anadjustment tool, such as the adjustment tool shown in FIG. 31 anddescribed above. The adjustable member 4004 can have a pinion gear thatengages with a crown gear, such as the adjustable member shown in FIGS.36 and 37 and described above. The implantable device 4002 includes aset of inner tubing 4028 a, 4028 b and a set of outer tubing 4026 a,4026 b, which can move relative to one another. The ends of the innertubing 4028 a, 4028 b that do not engage the outer tubing 4026 a, 4026 bare secured to the adjustable member 4004 so that the inner tubing 4028a, 4028 b does not move relative to the adjustable member 4004. Theimplantable device 4002 also includes a set of hollow tube portions 4014a, 4014 b. The hollow tube portions 4014 a, 4014 b may be separatepieces of tubing that are permanently attached to the outer tubing 4026a, 4026 b when the implantable device 4002 is assembled, or the hollowtube portions 4014 a, 4014 b may be formed from the same piece of tubingas the outer tubing 4026 a, 4026 b. The hollow tube portions 4014 a,4014 b may be threaded on the inside to receive threaded rods 4018 a,4018 b (shown in FIG. 77), or a threaded insert may be affixed to theinner diameter of the hollow tube portions 4014 a, 4014 b. Theimplantable device 4002 also includes a passive tube portion 4040, whichis a portion of the implantable device 4002 that does not include any ofthe mechanisms used to adjust the size and/or shape of the implantabledevice 4002. This is shown in more detail in FIG. 77. It is contemplatedthat the passive tube portion 4040 can be either flexible or rigid.

FIG. 74 shows a cross-sectional view of the implantable device 4002 ofFIG. 76. As discussed above, the inner tubing 4028 a, 4028 b is affixedto the adjustable member 4004 and extends into the outer tubing 4026 a,4026 b. The outer tubing 4026 a, 4026 b is affixed to the hollow tubeportions 4014 a, 4014 b. An inner cable 4030 is functionally connectedto the adjustable member 4004, as shown in FIGS. 36 and 37 above, andpasses through the inner tubing 4028 a, 4028 b and the outer tubing 4026a, 4026 b. The inner cable 4030 is also connected to a set of threadedrods 4018 a, 4018 b, which are engaged with the threads on the inside ofthe hollow tube portions 4014 a, 4014 b. The threaded rods 4018 a, 4018b may be a rigid material such as titanium, stainless steel, or apolymer. The hollow tube portions 4014 a, 4014 b enclose the threadedrods 4018 a, 4018 b, such that rotation of the threaded rods 4018 a,4018 b causes them to move axially within the hollow tube portions 4014a, 4014 b. In one embodiment, the threaded rod 4018 a may haveright-handed threads, and the threaded rod 4018 b may have left-handedthreads. In other embodiments, the threaded rods 4018 a, 4018 b may bothhave right-handed threads or left-handed threads. The inner cable 4030may be a cable or tube of any material with sufficient flexibility toconform to the shape of the implantable device 4002 while translatingtorque. For example, suitable materials for the inner cable 4030 mayinclude titanium or stainless steel. As shown more clearly in FIGS. 36and 37, rotating the crown gear of the adjustable member 4004 impartsrotation to the inner cable 4030 in the same direction.

FIG. 75 shows an embodiment of the present invention where theimplantable device 4002 is covered by an outer flexible tube 4032 (suchas a silicone tube) and a seal jacket 4100, so that no moving parts areexposed. The flexible outer tube 4032 can provide sufficient rigidity sothat the implantable device 4002 maintains a generally planar dimension,while allowing it to adjust shape in a preferred dimension, such as theanterior-posterior dimension. In one embodiment, the outer flexible tube4032 is provided without a seam in the axial direction in order to allowfor better tissue in-growth after it has been implanted. The flexibleouter tube 4032 may be further covered by an outer fabric sheath. Theseal jacket 4100 may cover the adjustable member 4004 and also include acover for the docking port 4021 in the form of a slit septum, flaps,elastic material or the like. In one embodiment, the seal jacket 4100may be secured to the outer flexible tube 4032. The seal jacket 4100 andthe outer flexible tube 4032 may be secured by an adhesive bond, a wrap,sutures, or the like. The seal jacket 4100 provides access for anadjustment tool to couple to the docking port 4021, while reducing thepossibility of thrombus formation. In some embodiments, the seal jacket4100 may be made of silicone and covered by a polyester sewing layer orfabric sheath.

FIGS. 73-75 show the implantable device 4002 in an open position whereit has its largest circumference. In order to reduce the circumferenceof the implantable device 4002, the handle of the adjustment tool (notshown) is rotated in the docking port 4021, such that it causes rotationof the pinion gear (not shown) of the adjustable member 4004. Asdescribed above, rotation of the pinion gear (not shown) in turn rotatesthe crown gear (not shown). The rotation of crown gear (not shown) thencauses rotation of the inner cable 4030, which imparts rotationalmovement to each of the threaded rods 4018 a, 4018 b. The rotationapplied to the threaded rods 4018 a, 4018 b causes them to advance intotheir respective hollow tube portions 4014 a, 4014 b in the directionsAt, A₂ shown in FIG. 77. As the threaded rods 4018 a, 4018 b advanceinto the hollow tube portions 4014 a, 4014 b, the inner cable 4030 alsoadvances into the hollow tube portions 4014 a, 4014 b. The advancementof the inner cable 4030 into the hollow tube portions 4014 a, 4014 bcauses the inner tubing 4028 a, 4028 b to slide into the outer tubing4026 a, 4026 b, which reduces the overall circumference of theimplantable device 4002.

FIGS. 76-78 show the implantable device 4002 in a closed position whereit has its smallest circumference. More specifically, as shown in FIG.77, the threaded rods 4018 a, 4018 b are advanced completely into thehollow tube portions 4014 a, 4014 b, and the inner tubing 4028 a, 4028 bis completely inside the outer tubing 4026 a, 4026 b. In order toenlarge the circumference of the implantable device 4002, the handle ofthe adjustment tool (not shown) is rotated in a direction opposite tothe direction used to reduce the circumference, so that it causes anopposite rotation of the pinion gear (not shown) of the adjustablemember 4004. As described above, rotation of the pinion gear (not shown)in turn rotates the crown gear (not shown). The rotation of crown gear(not shown) then causes rotation of the inner cable 4030, which impartsrotational movement to each of the threaded rods 4018 a, 4018 b. Therotation applied to the threaded rods 4018 a, 4018 b causes them towithdraw from their respective hollow tube portions 4014 a, 4014 b inthe directions A1, A₂ shown in FIG. 77. As the threaded rods 4018 a,4018 b withdraw from the hollow tube portions 4014 a, 4014 b, the innercable 4030 also withdraws from the hollow tube portions 4014 a, 4014 b.The withdrawal of the inner cable 4030 from the hollow tube portions4014 a, 4014 b causes the inner tubing 4028 a, 4028 b to telescope outof the outer tubing 4026 a, 4026 b, which increases the overallcircumference of the implantable device 4002.

FIGS. 79-81 show another embodiment of an implantable device 4002 foradjusting the shape and/or size of a tricuspid valve. In thisembodiment, the implantable device 4002 has an adjustable member 4004, apassive tube portion 4040, and a single threaded rod 4018 that isengaged with a single hollow tube portion 4014. One end of an innercable 4030 is connected to the adjustable member 4004 and the other endis connected to the threaded rod 4018. The implantable device 4002 alsoincludes an inner tube 4028 that can move relative to an outer tube4026. The implantable device 4002 shown in FIGS. 79-81 can be adjustedin a similar fashion to the device shown in FIGS. 73-78 above. Morespecifically, in order to reduce the circumference of the implantabledevice 4002, the handle of the adjustment tool (not shown) is rotated inthe docking port (not shown), such that it causes rotation of the innercable 4030 (as described above), which imparts rotational movement tothe threaded rod 4018. The rotation applied to the threaded rod 4018causes it to advance into the hollow tube portion 4014 in the directionA1 shown in FIG. 81. As the threaded rod 4018 advances into the hollowtube portion 4014, the inner cable 4030 also advances into the hollowtube portion 4014. The advancement of the inner cable 4030 into thehollow tube portion 4014 causes the inner tubing 4028 to slide into theouter tubing 4026, which reduces the overall circumference of theimplantable device 4002. In order to enlarge the circumference of theimplantable device 4002, the handle of the adjustment tool (not shown)is rotated in a direction opposite to the direction used to reduce thecircumference, so that it causes an opposite rotation of the inner cable4030. One advantage of this design is that the adjustable member 4004can be made with smaller gears.

FIG. 83 shows another embodiment of an implantable device 4002 foradjusting the shape and/or size of a tricuspid valve. This embodiment issimilar to that shown in FIGS. 79-81, because it has a single threadedrod 4018 engaged with a single hollow tube portion 4014. One differenceis that an adjustable member 4004 is located at one end of theimplantable device 4002, and a hollow tube portion 4014 is located atthe other end. As a result, the implantable device 4002 in FIG. 83 doesnot include a passive tube portion. To adjust the size of theimplantable device 4002, an adjustment tool (not shown) is rotated whichcauses an inner cable 4030 to rotate. The rotation of the inner cable4030 causes the threaded rod 4018 to move in or out of the hollow tubeportion 4014, which in turn causes an inner tube 4028 to move in or outof an outer tube 4026, thus decreasing or increasing the circumferenceof the implantable device 4002. One advantage of this design is that theentire device can be made with a uniform flexibility or stiffness.

FIGS. 84A and 848 show another embodiment of an implantable device 4002for adjusting the shape and/or size of a tricuspid valve. Thisembodiment is similar to that described above with respect to FIGS.73-78, in that it has a set of hollow tube portions 4014 a, 4014 b.Although not shown, the implantable device 4002 also includes a set ofthreaded rods that are engaged with the hollow tube portions 4014 a,4014 b, and a set of inner tubing that can move relative to a set ofouter tubing. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 84A and 848, the hollowtube portion 4014 a can be curved, and the hollow tube portion 4014 bcan be straight. The hollow tube portion 4014 a has fewer threads on theinside for engaging with the threaded rod than the hollow tube portion4014 b. This design enables the implantable device 4002 to have a morecurved profile. By varying the thread pitch on the hollow tube portions4014 a, 4014 b and the threaded rods they are engaged with, it alsoallows the implantable device 4002 to make more fine adjustments oncertain portions of the tricuspid valve and more coarse adjustments onother portions of the tricuspid valve.

It is further contemplated that embodiments of the implantable device4002 described above can have both planar and non-planar designs. Forexample, the implantable device 4002 can have a spiral shape. It is alsocontemplated that, in some embodiments, the implantable device 4002 is afull, complete ring.

It is also contemplated that the adjustable member 4004 can bepositioned in varying locations on the implantable device 4002 describedin the embodiments above.

It is also contemplated that the implantable device 4002 can be used tomake adjustments to the tricuspid valve after a patient has been taken“off pump” and normal flow of blood through the heart has resumed. It isalso understood that the adjustment tool for making post-operativeadjustments described above can be used to make post-operativeadjustments to the implantable device 4002.

Finally, it will be understood that the preferred embodiment has beendisclosed by way of example, and that other modifications may occur tothose skilled in the art without departing from the scope and spirit ofthe appended claims.

1. A reversible annular implant device comprising: an annular implanthaving an upper compartment housing a flexible ring core and a lowercompartment containing a series of retention barbs either integrallyformed with or fixedly attached to the annular implant, wherein selectedretention barbs further include a terminal hook for anchoring of theannular implant into the annular tissue; and a movable retainer guide incommunication with the lower compartment of the annular implant forcontrolling extension of the series of retention barbs.
 2. Thereversible annular implant device of claim 1, wherein said lowercompartment contains a retention barb housing which prevents theretention barb from engaging the annular tissue prior to deployment. 3.The reversible annular implant device of claim 1, wherein the lowercompartment comprises foam or a foam-like material through which theretention barbs extend to contact the annular tissue when deployed bythe retaining guide.
 4. The reversible annular implant device of claim1, wherein the exterior of the annular implant is fabricated of abiologically compatible material selected from the group consisting ofDacron, PTFE, malleable metals, other biologically compatible materials,and a combination of such biologically compatible materials in a molded,woven, and non-woven configuration.
 5. The reversible annular implantdevice of claim 1, wherein the annular implant comprises an annuloplastyring device.
 6. A reversible annular implant device comprising: anannular implant having an upper compartment housing a flexible ring coreand a lower compartment containing a series of retention barbs eitherintegrally formed with or fixedly attached to the annular implant,wherein selected retention barbs further include a terminal hook foranchoring of the annular implant into the annular tissue; and a movableretainer guide in communication with the lower compartment of theannular implant for controlling extension of the series of retentionbarbs; wherein said lower compartment contains a retention barb housingwhich prevents the retention barb from engaging the annular tissue priorto deployment, the lower compartment comprising foam or a foam-likematerial through which the retention barbs extend to contact the annulartissue when deployed by the retainer guide.
 7. The reversible annularimplant device of claim 6, wherein the exterior of the annular implantis fabricated of a biologically compatible material selected from thegroup consisting of Dacron, PTFE, malleable metals, other biologicallycompatible materials, and a combination of such biologically compatiblematerials in a molded, woven, and non-woven configuration.
 8. Thereversible annular implant device of claim 6, wherein the annularimplant comprises an annuloplasty ring device.